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 7, 2023
The front passenger air bag warning light has been coming on intermittently for over 6 months now. It first began on a 4-hour trip, chiming the whole 4 hours while a passenger was in the seat, unable to move to another seat due to occupancy. The vehicle was brought into the dealership and sensor was replaced. Since then, the warning has continued to come on intermittently and the vehicle was broug... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
On Friday the 7th of April while driving about 40 miles/hr my car lost power in traffic. I pushed gas pedal all way to floor to no avail. Then I was able to get it to move at about 20m/hr for short distance and it cut out and engine lite on as well as a horrible smell like something was burning. It had to be towed into dealer.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
I have two warning messages appearing on my dash. Service Electronic Braking System and Service ABS System. Took it to my dealership Michiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT in Mishawaka Indiana. I was informed that it needed an HCU (hydraulic control unit) and that the part was unavailable because of engineering review until at least August 2023. The work order was closed and i was sent on my way a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
GM is aware of a known failure in their Transmission Control Modules. My part number is 24256670. My truck has 87,000 miles on it and not drivable due to this failed electronic component. There are thousands of people just like me experiencing this issue. Check engine light illuminates once unit gets hot. Multiple codes will display at this time. This happened at a stop light, causing traf... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
Accident after side swiping cattle guard, flew off the road at 70mph, landing roughly, and bouncing off desert terrain, trying to control crash outcome, realign no brakes, and no way to slow down vehicle, except no acceleration, and turned away from homes and power poles, to eventually slam into a a higher terrain, until complete stop. My repaired airbags didn't deploy, and at that speed, my passe... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43. The contact stated that after the dealer performed an unknown recall repair and Honda of Newnan (391 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan, GA 30265) replaced the ball joints and axles, the contact noticed that the roof panel had detached, causing the front panel to loosen, and the driver's side air bag was visible. Additionally, the front driver's side seat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43. The contact stated that after the dealer performed an unknown recall repair and Honda of Newnan (391 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan, GA 30265) replaced the ball joints and axles, the contact noticed that the roof panel had detached, causing the front panel to loosen, and the driver's side air bag was visible. Additionally, the front driver's side seat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated while slowing down at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle downshifted roughly and would jolt while shifting into gear. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPMs would remain high while he was at a complete stop. The contact stated that the RPMs would rise above 3... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2018
The transmission shudders terribly. It is available for inspection. It is unsafe because while in traffic situations, it doesn't get up to speed correctly. It is as if it can't find the gear, it feels like it is about to stall. It is not dependable to stay at a speed, or increase speed. The dealership said that changing the transmission fluid would help, and it did for a while. The problem came ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
I was driving and when I proceeded to brake I felt something pop and my brake peddle went all the way down I could feel like air
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
The crankshaft or camshaft sensor has went out which causes it to stall or immediately die, which is a safety hazard yes the check engine light was on
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
The crankshaft or camshaft sensor has went out which causes it to stall or immediately die, which is a safety hazard yes the check engine light was on
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Steering wheel is “sticking” at highway speeds. When driving straight, I have to lightly force the wheel to get it to click out of where it was last place. It ends up jerking the wheel to get it out of this stuck position.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Within 6 months of purchasing this car used at a Toyota dealership, the check engine, exclamation light, and "Go to dealership/check AWD" lights came on. I took it to the dealership who told me it would cost $250 just to check the lights. I took it to a car parts store who said "it's throwing a bunch of old codes". The dealership also suggested during oil change about $800 worth of work needing to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
Within 6 months of purchasing this car used at a Toyota dealership, the check engine, exclamation light, and "Go to dealership/check AWD" lights came on. I took it to the dealership who told me it would cost $250 just to check the lights. I took it to a car parts store who said "it's throwing a bunch of old codes". The dealership also suggested during oil change about $800 worth of work needing to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Dashboard cluster display is not visible during daylight
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
While driving in a parking garage and going down a ramp to the next level, all of the lights on my dashboard popped on and the brakes stopped working. The emergency brakes failed to work, and we crashed into a wall/air conditioning unit. Luckily, we were going slow since we were in a parking garage and did not hit another car, but if we were on a highway and/ my entire family were in the car, so... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
My car was stolen 1week after the recall was performed that was supposed to immobilized the engine. The recall did nothing and now I'm left with the aftermath.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
My car was stolen 1week after the recall was performed that was supposed to immobilized the engine. The recall did nothing and now I'm left with the aftermath.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
Excessive RTV silicone was used on the oil pan on this year/make/model. This issue causes pieces of RTV to break off inside the oil pan and clog the oil pickup resulting in the engine being deprived of oil. I’m seeing more and more people document this issue online and worry the $33,000 car I just bought may have this issue. Subaru has not issued any recall knowing this is affecting many many ve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
Rear passenger middle seat buckle was defective- just replaced by Tesla. Seatbelt buckle was stuck and after unlatching, was unable to get it back in; there was a 4 year old in a booster seat at the time of incident. Left rear passenger seatbelt may have also unlatched by itself last week while front facing booster seat was strapped in using the seatbelt. Had to reinstall car seat with latch, desp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The auto engine idle stop on my 2016 Acura MDX has left me in precarious situations at stop signs and/or traffic lights at least twice before the recall notification I received in the mail a couple of weeks ago. The engine turned off as designed but then would not turn back on like it should without a delay. The worst incident was when my teenage Daughters were in the car with me! After receiving ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The vehicle rolled away after the driver exited the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake was not applied. This negligent design flaw is because BMW has chosen to not revert the vehicle to Park if the door is opened like other car manufacturers. A simple software update or design change could prevent a potentially fatal incident caused by BMW’s negligence in this matter... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The vehicle rolled away after the driver exited the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake was not applied. This negligent design flaw is because BMW has chosen to not revert the vehicle to Park if the door is opened like other car manufacturers. A simple software update or design change could prevent a potentially fatal incident caused by BMW’s negligence in this matter... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 18, 2018
Currently, there is a recall of this vehicle that results in a loss of automotive power. This only occurs when driving in the highway going 70mph. This first occurred to us about a month ago. The recall was announced a little earlier to when we were experiencing the issue, but there was no fix available until about a couple weeks after we had this issue. The software fix was completed last Friday.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
My 4 runner was hit on the passenger side while crossing a intersection. The truck that hit my 4 runner was going at least 40 miles per hr and was a heavy duty pickup truck. On impact the airbags did NOT deploy but the 4 runner went haywire.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Electrical; fill gas tank. Minutes later gauge shows I'm empty. Continues to repeat over and over. Driver's seat; crackling sound "like metal broke" seat does not adjust correctly and can no longer move the seats tilt. Having me drive in an uncomfortable position. Wipers; rainy day both motors left and right smoke up and burn out at the same time. Can no longer drive vehicle when it rains. Can't s... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The electronic parking brake warning light keeps flashing indicating a failure in the off-on mechanism. The brake could go on while the car is in motion, causing loss of control. Or the brake could fail while in park, and the car could roll. Subaru mechanic has been telling me they are waiting for a part, which is on back order nationwide. This has been going on with my car for months, literal... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
I took my car to the dealership to have the campaign 200 recall fixed. When my vehicle was there, they found that the battery needed to be replaced, however found that there was "front end damage to the battery" and it would fall on me as the owner to replace the battery, and once the battery was replaced, they would fix the recall. (Which replacing the battery would fix in the first place). My... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
The rear camera takes way too long to switch from night mode to day mode. When parked in the garage, there is not enough light so it goes to night mode. After raising the garage door and starting the car, the camera is in night mode. If the sun is bright, and the driver is wearing sunglasses, the rear camera image on the display is unreadable. After backing out of the garage it takes 15-20 s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
Car has a terrible mold and musky smell in the cabin. Cleaned carpet several times and checked for water in truck Smell didn't dissipate. Took to Ford where the linked it to the air condition dripping or gathering. The cleared line and emptied. Smell was milder for short time. After running the air a few days it was getting stronger. Local Ford dealers couldn't see us for some time so we To... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
I have noticed water leaking into the inside of my windshield and also noticed that the front and rear carpets are damp and the car is developing a musty smell. Upon closer inspection it appears that the top of the windshield is unbonded from the frame and moves outward when pressure is applied against it. This is a serious safety concern as the windshield is a structural component of the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches), 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 expe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
On Saturday, 3/4/2023, I stopped at a supercharger lot to charge my car during a trip. As I entered the lot, I noticed that the road conditions were poor, almost like a gravel road. To be cautious, I drove slowly towards the three empty parking spaces in the middle of the lot, intending to park in the middle spot. I noticed that the road conditions were even worse in front of the parking spot, but... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2018
Valve cover gasket leaks and oil leaks on to the alternator which can cause the alternator to fail and the battery to not maintain a charge and the car can stall and then not start. This is the same exact problem problem that is in your recall on 2007-2012 Veracruz Recall number 20V705000 & 14V415000 And 2007-2009 Santa Fe vehicles have the same issue and Service Campaign 936 SB-10058931-4495 (T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
Since owning car, steering sticks sometimes as though the “auto-steer” is engaged but it holds the wheel in one position. More effort than normal is required to turn wheel. Feels like it is sticking. Happens almost always at highway speeds.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2022
Without warning Ignition Turned off WHILE driving and in motion. Was slowing to get ready to make a turn onto another adjacent road loss of power steering and the stall nearly resulting in Auto accident Luckily my 3 children were not present in the van at the time no warning lights no check engine lamp just sudden failure and shutoff of the vehicle
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The issue was initiated when you turn the vehicle on. The vehicle would process through normal startup modes, and then produce several error codes and light illuminations, all within several seconds. The illuminations would consist of; Traction Control Error, Auto Hold Error, Descent Control Error, Lane Assistance Error, and Collusion Avoidance Error. This would then maintain the error during the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The steering in this vehicle sticks at certain speeds and at times causes over correcting. Only when lane keep assist is activated it seems to mitigate the issue slightly. The vehicle was purchased new with no known issues. This issue has me concerned for safety.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
Engine burns oil quickly. No leaks reported after each oil change. I have to add a quart of oil every week and sometimes I have to add 2 quarts. Mechanic states he has had multiple Kia Forte's have complete engine failure because engine will burn all of the oil until there is no oil at all.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
Experienced the Ford Death Wobble approximately July 1, 2022. After going over a small pothole at 65 mph, vehicle experienced severe wobble and pulled from far right lane to shoulder and veered toward cement wall at 65mph! Braking caused increase in wobble. Was finally able to slow vehicle to exit highway. No prior issues with wobble nor any warning. Shaking and nearly crying, I slowly drove to Bi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
With the Idle-Stop activated, the engine shut down while stopped at a red light. However, when I disengaged the brake and tried to push the gas pedal to start, the car did not restart. It went "dead." I had to attempt to restart the car, and it took multiple attempts to get it to restart. I ultimately had to put the vehicle in park and then re-start the engine manually once the 2020 Passport "... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that after refueling, the fuel gauge indicated that the fuel economy was 20 miles/gal. The contact stated that the fuel economy should have been 28 miles/gal. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was proving an incorrect reading. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle ha... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
As I was driving down the highway my car died and all the lights on my dash came on, I lost my power steering. I noticed a cloud of white smoke from tailpipe. I was able to coast to the side of the highway, thankfully no one was hurt. O tried to start it back up but it wouldn't start. We opened the hood and there was white smoke coming from under the hood. I had to pay to have it towed. Currently ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Loses power "without warning"; actually, when the REX turns on it automatically mentions that power "could be" lost when the REX turns on. However, that is very understated. In fact, there is nowhere in the owner's manual that raises this issue; doesn't even mention that there could or would be a "warning" if battery is low and REX is being used. Bottom line: The REX cannot keep up with drivin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
Every 1000 miles the low oil light comes on. I have 24000 miles on the car and this only started about 4000 miles ago. I have to add a quart of oil every 1-2000 miles.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
215 t5r 17 Goodyear I found a large bulge in the side wall drivers front tire. Need to find out who sold the tire and its distributor / shipper. Purchased these new but I am unable to locate the receipt.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2021
Cvt failed. Confirmed by certified nissan dealer. No warnings at all. This is a known issue by nissan that has affected millions of customers. Vehicle killed while driving in one of the largest cities in American with a special needs disabled child in the car.
5 injured
Incident date: Mar 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly, and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle after waiting for a while. The con... Read more