Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 17,413 complaints for ACURA
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Concerns of The torque converter - there is very low engine RPM when coming to a stop. Thrust washer wear inside the torque converter causing restriction of the oil passage used to bleed off lock-up clutch application pressure. This has resulted in low engine ROM and stalling of my vehicle on dangerous intersections. My car stalled in an intersection several times due to this issue almost causing ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
Shortly after purchasing my Ioniq (roughly 2 months into ownership) my dashboard started beeping with warning signs for my EPB and auto-hold brake. I panicked and parked my car and tried to turn off the functions because I thought I had accidentally turned them on but they wouldn’t turn off. This would continue at random for roughly 7 more months until it would stay on for weeks at a time. I was... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2018
I ran an update on my c8 corvette, left the car till it was completed. The next day I left with the car and went through the stop sign and through 2 lanes of traffic and almost down a ditch. I live in a country setting. I almost had a very serious accident. I had no brakes. The dash said service brake assist, service ASC and brake failure. Although my car only has 758 miles it has run with no issu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Back up camera stays lit after putting the car in Drive. After 30 seconds or so it goes off and the screen goes black. You cannot push any buttons on the screen, related to the radio or climate controls. Ford doesn't know how to fix it because its not a "Major Issue" What a joke.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Back up camera stays lit after putting the car in Drive. After 30 seconds or so it goes off and the screen goes black. You cannot push any buttons on the screen, related to the radio or climate controls. Ford doesn't know how to fix it because its not a "Major Issue" What a joke.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
ABS HCU/and pump failure. Truck dies. no Brakes
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
The car caught on fire while driving on the freeway for no reason, an explosion occurred.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
Out of no where I got codes for a AWD system fault, pre collision fault and hill start and traction assist fault.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
My 2021 Acadia digital dash goes out (completely black). I took it to the dealership on Friday August 25, as the issue was happening more frequently. I was told the software was not current. This was attributed to parking in a garage each night. Yesterday September 22 while driving, the dash again went out for a much longer timeframe (several miles). I called the dealership. Service was cl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
While driving with autopilot/cruise control, the car started braking heavily with no obvious obstruction on the road. This happened 5 times over 2 days of long distance driving.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
While driving with autopilot/cruise control, the car started braking heavily with no obvious obstruction on the road. This happened 5 times over 2 days of long distance driving.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
Manufacturer designed a Pyro Fuse (a/k/a Battery Fuse), the purpose of which is to open the main battery's circuit in the event of a detected crash via a squib charge, in order to prevent further property damage or risk to life. The obsolete design contained in this model depends on a small lithium ion battery with a 7-10 year lifespan. In this car's case, a timer notification kicked in at about... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
While changing the tire on my vehicle, the jack shot from under the right rear passenger area of the car to the front center of the car. This happened while the vehicle was raised and the tire was removed, this caused the right rear brake rotor to fall on the asphalt parking lot. Luckily no part of my body was under the vehicle at the time, or i could have been killed.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The power steering failed without warning while I was pulling into my driveway and I could no longer turn the steering wheel. I was completely surprised by this and ended up driving about 10 feet into my front yard grass before slamming on the brakes and coming to a stop. Kids often play in this area of my yard...this could have ended tragically. My vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
My car is leaking coolant and the head gasket is blown and this car up to date. From what I’ve read, this is a common occurrence amongst Ford Edge owners
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
My drivers door arm receptor has broken free of its spot weld inside the door, causing severe safety issues. [see Car and Driver article BY ALESSANDRA KAESTNER PUBLISHED: JUL 14, 2023] Same issue. This happened to me today 09/20/2023. * I cannot fully open drivers window because of this defect. Major safety issue if my vehicle goes into water. * I cannot open the door from outside, if locked. Maj... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
While driving the power steering failed with associated Stabilitrak warning. Fortunately it happened while driving slowly and there was not a concern for safety. Though it was very hard, the car was driven home.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
Thermo Control Valve has malfunctioned. It disables all driver assistance, like lane assist, blind spot, RAB, collision braking, etc. I have seen on many forums that this is a known issue, across multiple vehicles from Subaru from 2019 to about 2021. The was a TSB put out about a new and improved part to fix this known issue.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
The vehicles horn randomly decides not to work. The horn has been replaced once, but the same wiring was kept the same. The vehicle is going back after a few months due to horn malfunction again.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
The vehicles horn randomly decides not to work. The horn has been replaced once, but the same wiring was kept the same. The vehicle is going back after a few months due to horn malfunction again.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
On or about [XXX], the Transmission Control Module, FAILED, on my 2011GMC Denali 2500 6.6 diesel. It was a KNOWN faulty part .General Motors was aware of the issue years ago. This part should have been deemed a Safety Recall item. Imagine, pulling a trailer down a busy Freeway, with Semi's presence. Module goes out, truck goes idle, people hurt or worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREED... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
Since the last over-the -air (OTA) software update, numerous systems have malfunctioned and then fixed themselves. The exception is the dashboard lighting problem to be addressed by NHTSA Recall # 23V-576, FCA Recall # 88A which also started with the latest update, is continuous, not intermittent. I feel the most serious malfunction is when a turn signal will not turn off, irregardless of manual c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
The car seat has 6 recline positions on it. My child had outgrown the 1 position and needed to go to the 2. Two car seat technicians were helping me fix it, and we realized that the seat will not lock in any of the recline positions except for 1, 5, and 6. If it is in 2, 3, or 4, it slides down to the 1 position. I still have the car seat in my possession. The seat has only been inspected by 2 car... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2020
I received a recall notice back in June about a problem with my car's airbag inflator. To this date I still haven't heard from GM or anyone else about getting this potential deadly problem fixed. They indicated that the part to fix the issue isn't available. How can that be?! They issue a recall but don't have the part even months later?! I'm worried about this issue as, according to their own let... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to replace the starter, the mechanic observed corrosion on the frame near both rear doors. Additionally, the mechanic noticed that the sub frame was bent near the rear doors. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
This car was driven by a 17 year old high school student. Car with high oil consumption engine resulting in engine seizure 4/2022. Engine unseized and consumption of 1qt oil every 1,000 miles deemed "within normal limits" per Kia of America policy (Ganley Kia in Mentor Ohio). Kia corporate offices contacted with no resolution. From 4/2022 to 8/2023, car was driven only 2.5 non freeway miles to hig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
This car was driven by a 17 year old high school student. Car with high oil consumption engine resulting in engine seizure 4/2022. Engine unseized and consumption of 1qt oil every 1,000 miles deemed "within normal limits" per Kia of America policy (Ganley Kia in Mentor Ohio). Kia corporate offices contacted with no resolution. From 4/2022 to 8/2023, car was driven only 2.5 non freeway miles to hig... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not av... Read more
ACURA
MDX TYPE S
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Sep 13, 2023
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
1. The car started making a noise then started surging and jerking. I'm not a mechanic, so I don't know what happened but it will not crank now. Yes, someone can come inspect the vehicle, by appointment only. 2. I was afraid that the car was going to blow up or the brakes would not hold. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced or inspected. 4. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspec... Read more
ACURA
MDX TYPE S
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 13, 2023
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
After Koons Hyundai in Woodbridge, VA did my ANTI THEFT Safety Recall, my 2012 Elantra's engine would stop working and I had to restart my engine. Often the BMW guage would malfunction/stop working, my Elantra would not accelerate past 30 mph and the engine would stop working. When I first went to Koons Hyundai for the ANTI THEFT Safety Recall, earlier this year, I DID NOT have any of these issue... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that after activating the air conditioning the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, the contact ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the message "Coolant Hot" was displayed. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and notice that there was no coolant in the reservoir. The contact added coolant into the reservoir, but the coolant leaked out. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the engine needed ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
Coolant intrusion into cylinders causing head gasket failure. Needing replacement of block due to known issue with Ford 1.5 ecobost engine. TSB 20-2100
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
With engine idle off… at a stop (intersection, light, etc.) engine suddenly turns off. Dashboard message reads- “put in park to start engine”. At that moment, the transmission shows that it is in neutral. I have to frantically put it in Park and try several times to restart the car. Cars are honking, yelling and pulling up/at me! I have called (when it happens) and taken my car to dealer 4 ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
The ABS light, break light and traction. Control due to either a faulty abs modul or tip computer. Dealers unable to replace until MAY 2024. Concern is the abs breaking and traction control for safe driving. From what I have read this is a common problem that needs to been corrected.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
I was driving at a slow speed on a dirt road directly into the sun when it was just rising. The conditions of the sky were slightly hazey. The entire windshield turned into a bright white light. (from right to left and top to bottom covering every square inch of the windshield) I could no longer see outside in front of me. I stopped. It was brighter than the sun 100 fold. No matter where I mov... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
My ac or radio will turn on when ever it wants. I can turn my stuff off up to 18 times in a day. I have no control over my units front or back. I have spoken to neighbors co workers and strangers who have the same car. Every last person I have talked to is having the same issue with this car. I have taken my car while it was under warranty to have the issue taken care of. They will not do anything... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact loss control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the road. The contact drove onto the curb where the vehicle come to a complete stop. The contact shut off the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion and the bushing on the steering gear needed t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact loss control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the road. The contact drove onto the curb where the vehicle come to a complete stop. The contact shut off the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion and the bushing on the steering gear needed t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
- my car started releasing white smoke - i took it to repair shop, stated it was fixed, white smoke continued -car started overheating -Took it to KIA dealership and was told i was responsible for fuel leaking into engine, was told my car was not covered under warranty, I also have an extended warranty at the dealership which they wouldn't honor stating it was not covered -Recently while driving t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2019
In April 2023 I was backing out of a parking space when a message displayed on the dash that “The Parking Assist Have Been Blocked, See Owner’s Manual “. In this event there were pedestrians walking behind my vehicle and if not for my cautions always while backing could have caused an accident. This has since been intermittently happening and I have taken it in to the dealer 2 times without ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
My sun roof exploded while I was driving on the highway. It was closed and my cover was on, which stopped the glass from coming inside and hitting me or my 1 yr old son
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the “Low Coolant” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact added coolant however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
I bought this car in November of 2022 and it didn't make it its 3rd oil change. The car averaged a quart low at each oil change but that didn't seem to outrageous to me. It drove perfectly until June when the check engine light randomly came on and started flashing. I took it to the dealership who told me I needed a new engine, they couldn't tell me why or what was wrong but they assured me KIA wo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
I bought this vehicle used. I was the 2nd owner. I purchased it on the evening of August 18, 2023. On the morning of August 19, 2023, I drove the vehicle for about 45 miles. I reached my destination, got out of the car, and saw what looked like either smoke or dust from under my car. I worried it might be overheating. A bystander told me the car was on fire. I walked forward to see flames coming f... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
My driver door opens while i'm driving, the first time it happened in feb 2023 had i not have my seatbelt on I would have fell out of car. It has happened severals more times, it feels like the lock or the pin is not engaging. Now my front passenger door is starting as well. I contacted Nissan Consumer affairs the woman was arrogant with No concern over my safety, maybe it's a defective door or lo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
My driver door opens while i'm driving, the first time it happened in feb 2023 had i not have my seatbelt on I would have fell out of car. It has happened severals more times, it feels like the lock or the pin is not engaging. Now my front passenger door is starting as well. I contacted Nissan Consumer affairs the woman was arrogant with No concern over my safety, maybe it's a defective door or lo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
This is the component that failed Parts Passenger Side Instrument Panel Wiring Harness Junction Block GM Part # 84114433 Component combustion Yes, the burning of the component has been confirmed Not checked - Just replace the component only No warning lights appeared
Crash
Fire
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Honda Pilot 2023 Elite shows 15+ error messages on the instrument panel. Messages indicate emissions systems, breaking systems, power steering and various risk mitigation systems experiencing problems resulting in reduced performance. Errors show up when the vehicle starts and are easy to reproduce. Dealer has looked at the vehicle 3 separate times. Problem occurs again in few days after dealer vi... Read more