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: 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
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
Getting transmission error: secure vehicle when stopped. This will not turn off.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
My vehicle stalled out 3 times in one day while stopped a t a traffic light. Windshield wipers were on (I do not recall what setting). First message displayed advised to press firmly on brake, which I did. Second message was "low power steering" and the engine shut off completely. I had to put in park, turn off, and restart. Thankfully it did without issue.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
Vehicle will occasionally fail to properly initialize its safety systems, causing ABS, Traction Control, FCW, warning, auto stop, auto hold lights to come on and the aforementioned systems to fail. This disables driver assist features and important safety systems. Kia Dealer does not attempt to resolve. Claims that “we parked too close to a tree and the vehicle thinks it was in an accident” wo... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
On April 29th 2023 while washing my Volvo XC90 I opened the trunk to clean out the crevasses around the car. As I continued to wipe down/dry the vehicle I placed my hand at the top of the trunk opening and moved my way downwards to wipe the bumper and side of car. Unfortunately, the handsfree tailgate feature activated and the trunk began to close on my hand. Due to my hand being so close to the ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2023
On April 29th 2023 while washing my Volvo XC90 I opened the trunk to clean out the crevasses around the car. As I continued to wipe down/dry the vehicle I placed my hand at the top of the trunk opening and moved my way downwards to wipe the bumper and side of car. Unfortunately, the handsfree tailgate feature activated and the trunk began to close on my hand. Due to my hand being so close to the ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
When I was approaching my vehicle from the rear, I noticed my back window had chunks of glass missing and it appeared cracked. As I got closer, I noticed the entire back window was shattered. Pieces of glass were on the ground, meaning this occurred here, at the store. I would have noticed this earlier when leaving work because I approach my vehicle from the rear and the window was fine. Even look... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
While driving my vehicle when trying to accelerate it wouldn’t go above 20mph had to hit the brakes then vehicle would just accelerate real fast I was in traffic with my kids thank god we wasn’t hurt Nissan needs to recall this situation it’s affecting a lot of 2013 and up
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
While driving my vehicle when trying to accelerate it wouldn’t go above 20mph had to hit the brakes then vehicle would just accelerate real fast I was in traffic with my kids thank god we wasn’t hurt Nissan needs to recall this situation it’s affecting a lot of 2013 and up
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Drive Shaft Recall, and Truck is jammed due to Son sitting on it with his 3 friends smoking pot. The trunk has been jammed since 2017. I have reported it to Carmax in Garland.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
While driving close to or at highway speeds of about 50 mph or higher, the steering wheel becomes significantly harder to turn very slightly (within about a few degrees in either direction). When the wheel does turn, it jerks in the respective direction rather than moving smoothly. This results in micro-adjustments being much harder to perform, which are crucial when moving at high speeds, and in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
The shoulder straps on the infant carseat do not snug onto my child compared to a graco carseat I had to purchase for her safety. The straps are almost impossible to tighten and loosen. I thought when she was born that was the reason why it was loose but she is now 3 months old and they still are very loose around the chest area and do not tighten. The strap is also pulled all the way to the max l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2021
When coming to a stop, a wrench appeared where the gear indicator was, and a service hybrid system message appeared. When attempting to accelerate after stopping, the vehicle did not move. After turning the car off and back on it was able to move again. This has occured on multiple occasions.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2021
The engine part “Coolant bypass joint” failed, started leaking coolant at 44k miles, because it was made of inferior plastic material, unlike the same part used in the same 3.5L V6 engines in the Lexus vehicles, which are made of aluminum. This is a widespread failure since 2016 model years, and Toyota refused change the design or manufacturing material of the part, or to repair it under war... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and released; however, the brake light remained illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V280000 (Exterior Lighting). Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff while making a turn. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
Catalytic Converter malfunction and it was check by my mechanic at Hillebrand Automotive. It causes my 2014 Kia Soul to stop running in the middle of the highway. There were no warning lights, massages or any other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This happened 3 months ago. On January 21, 2023. It's still down because i can't afford to have it fix.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
Part - Control Unit, Smart Power - Acura 38320-TX4-A31 has been diagnosed as defective causing major electrical issues. Dealer says it affects the safety features of the car yet they can't get a replacment part. Afraid to allow my wife to drive not knowing if the safety features we paid for actually work. Air bags? Electrical breakdown during operation? A simple search finds it is a common p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X1. The contact stated while shifting into park (P), the contact became aware of a message to “Secure Vehicle with Parking Brake" displayed. The contact stated that she manually set the parking brake. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the shifter assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was advis... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the brake hydraulic line needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Add... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
The contact owns a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with two Lionhart Tires, Tire Line: LHS, Tire Size: 305/30/ZR26, DOT Number: TB2ACY50. The contact stated that he had installed two Lionhart tires on the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was a secondary vehicle that was not driven often. The contact stated that he observed a bulge on the tire, and the tire sidewall was se... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
Multiple warning lights came on . Then loss power to the transmission. First time was in July of 2022 less than 2000 miles on it . Almost an accident! Towed to dealer basically did nothing! A few months later went in for oil change they did update to transmission software . Loss power to transmission again 4/8/23 with 7500 on it . This time warning lights came on and loss power to transmissio... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
While driving my 2020 Ford Ecosport it spontaneously caught fire and exploded on Sunday, May 29th. •I purchased my 2020 Ford Ecosport from Ford or Helfman Ford in Stafford Texas on Monday, May 25th, 2020. I immediately had problems with the vehicle and have taken the vehicle in multiple times for overheating issues and the check engine light coming on. •May 25th, 2020 – overheating and... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
When car is wet, windshield wipers turn on an go crazy an will not stop. Even when car is off they continue to wipe at crazy speeds. Car stay parked in wet weather. Fuse had to be pulled to shut off
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. Kia dealership sa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2018
The contact owns a 2013 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and towing the toy hauler, the side window in the kitchen detached. The contact stated there was glue residue detected around the seal. The contact used a piece of plexiglass to cover the hole. The contact called the local dealer who ordered the replacement glass, but the RV was not diagnosed or repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
I was driving my car north on I15. Suddenly the car applied full breaks when there was no objects on the road. I could no longer control the car. Even when my foot was on the accelerator the car automatically depressed the break pedal. Luckily there was no vehicle behind me. I was also fortunate that we were going on a straight section of road. If this happened mid turn I would have completely l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
I was driving my car north on I15. Suddenly the car applied full breaks when there was no objects on the road. I could no longer control the car. Even when my foot was on the accelerator the car automatically depressed the break pedal. Luckily there was no vehicle behind me. I was also fortunate that we were going on a straight section of road. If this happened mid turn I would have completely l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
Car accelerated into a garage door unintentionally. The brakes did not work. The problem has not been reproduced. The car was taken to a honda dealer twice before the accident for the same reasons of sudden unintentional acceleration. The vehicle has been totaled and has not been inspected by anyone. There were no warning indicators that I am aware of.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
Sound system randomly stops working and makes an extremely load cracking and popping sounds. Usually happens a few minutes after start up
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
This report was submitted PREVIOUSLY on April 5, 2023 with no response received by me: My 2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited engine began making a tapping/ticking noise a few years ago. The noise became louder and then I discovered that my car qualified for the EXTENDED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY which was granted to any 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra owner with 1.8L Nu Engine that a class action lawsuit brought ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2020
While driving down the road, my vehicle will completely shut off and shut down. Sometimes, emphasis on the sometimes, I can push my key into the ignition a bit more and it will start back up. I lose all function and control of my vehicle. My dash lights and exterior lights completely shut off. I can't steer my car and it comes to a complete stop within seconds because everything locks up. I have h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
Good afternoon, I would like to bring an issue to your attention and file a complaint on Honda Motor Company. Last week, I scheduled an appointment in the Service Department at Russell and Smith Honda to diagnose my 2018 Honda Pilot. My vehicle jerks when driving at a low speed. Russell and Smith diagnosis was a transmission oil flush and a system update with "recommendations to replace the batter... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, while parked, the contact noticed an excessive amount of fluid underneath the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechani... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal while sl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2023
When you turn the car off it turns back on. You think the car is turned off, however the car turns back on without cause or reason. This is a risk to the public we don’t what can happen if a vehicle just turns on without cause or reason if it has been turned off properly.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
The panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded on the highway. There were no other vehicles nearby that could have thrown any debris at my vehicle. The edges of the glass are pushed out as if the force came from inside the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
It would seem to be the steering and related component’s including the computer. I have heard a low-pitched oscillating sound coming from the passenger front wheel well. well occasionally it would pull the car to the right, not all the time just randomly whenever traveling in the 40-70 mph range. The 2 dealerships I have taken the car to they say it’s my aftermarket exhaust, so they blow me of... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
First off the power steering goes out and can only be fixed by applying dielectric grease to the bcm but that will fix it. second the airbag light will randomly go on but this can also be remedy by fixing the yellow connection under the passenger seat try jiggling it if that doesnt fix it just cut the two wires off the connector's and splice with crimp connectors. hope this helps you as much as... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
There was not an incident. But the vehicle is not so safe. The driver needs to move eyes from the road for many normal functions like wipers, horn, high beam. In addition, using the phone is dangerous because all the information is displayed on the main screen and requires the driver to look away an select options. This should be displayed in the dash board behind the steering wheel (like it w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
Transmission shifts hard while going up and down. The traffic back assist will alert when not moving and when in a parking space and when nothing is around
Incident date: Apr 16, 2023
Rear camera doesn’t work
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Air conditioner not working
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
I pulled up to a stop light at a busy intersection/highway exit and, after depressing the brake, the vehicle abruptly turned off and shifted to neutral. The brake became very difficult to depress and the parking brake enabled on its own. The entire dashboard lit up and the car would not shift or respond to any input. The vehicle would not turn off, turn back on, or shift for approximately 15 mi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
The power steering on the 2016 Honda Civic. While driving it is hard to gain control over the vehicle and the steering wheel tends to lock in place. It is UNKNOWN if the problem has been reproduced. The vehicle has been inspected by others. There is no warning lamps or message prior to failure.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
The metal bar that is used with part of the recline system has gone through the side of the plastic shell of the seat. There is a hole that it went through and broke through a sticker on the side of the seat. Metal bar does not stay in place and could slide all the way out when in recline position #1. When in recline 2 or 3 another part of the plastic shell keeps the metal bar in place. Concern of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
1. The driver’s door window motor burnt out causing the window switch to smoke. The fuse never failed. The car was diagnosed at the dealership. It is at the dealership now awaiting the purchase of repair parts. 2. I was told that it was a safety issue by the dealership because the switch could have started a fire. The mechanic had it smoking during the diagnosis. He did not want to put it... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
I had tried to enter my address is in Canada not the states… I have had to fix my car couple times and issue has not been resolved as I would get a dashboard warning that the oil pressure is low and to turn off the vehicle. The coolant overheat to the point it’s boiling. There is a recall for this issue however not sure why this vehicle does not qualify as it’s a safety hazard
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
The automatic locks on both right passenger sides quit working. It imposes a danger because if you are trying to get out of the vehicle you can’t if it’s locked. If it’s left unlocked then it imposes a danger if someone is trying to get into your vehicle that you don’t want and you can’t lock them out.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, she heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the sunroof before the sunroof glass panel cracked. The contact drove to her residence, where she noticed that the sunroof glass was significantly cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that they could not assist. The vehicle was not diagnose... Read more