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: Dec 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Once again, 3 weeks after the first time it happened, my 2019 ACURA RDX lost ALL power and I had to drift to the side of the road. This occurred on the Baldwin Beach Express and luckily there is not a lot of traffic this time of year so I could get on the shoulder. Car would not restart, all lights around the speedometer had come on. I had to have it towed to the Acura dealership in Mobile where i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Heater core big problem on 2015 vw passat Early models from 2012 to 2014 have a recall on heater core, and they have extended warranty. But problem still occurs on 2015 models, but still no recall or covered warranty, big problem and constantly Heater core broking
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Windshield wiper motor has been recalled with no "quick or timely" solution I ask ford to provide a rental car until repair can be completed or buy back the truck. I tried to take to a Ford dealership but they keep saying there is no parts. Which I understand buy in the meantime I need a working car due to my work I can't have any active recalls.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Electric car that does not hold power. Ad says full charge can get you to 220 mi, however i can barely get 170 mi of full charge.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
My 2016 gmc Sierra transmission going out again first time locked up and researched everyone I know that owns gmc says they have same issue replaced front drive train busted also and noticed the weld on the frame around steering box and frame has one weld pass very thin rusting away already I've done replaced engine front diff fuel pump now airbag warning keeps going off and my radio has securit... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
My 2018 Jeep Compass started out having minor issues that I just blew off at first. First thing I noticed after purchasing it new was the cruise control wouldn't allow me to set speed. It only happened randomly, now its every other time the jeep starts up. Then my back up camera started going black. It worked more times than not. Well, time goes by and now the whole touch screen is black, or white... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2020
I bought the Subaru Outback new Jan. 31, 2020. In those 3 years, I have had 3 windshield cracks from flying rocks resulting in 2-3 ft. long cracks extending across the windshield. The latest one happened Jan. 31, 2023, and the previous cracked windshield was replaced less than six weeks earlier on Dec. 22, 2022. While the first two incidents occurred on an interstate at high speed, the most recent... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
i was driving down the freeway on the way to work at 75 mph when all of a sudden my EPC went off in my 2013 volkswagon gti my entire car shut down (manual transmission) i lost all steering ability while on the freeway going 75 mph i couldn't get over to the shoulder due to loss of brakes due to entire car shutting down .i was almost smashed by a semi due to inability to steer my vehicle to total ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
i was driving down the freeway on the way to work at 75 mph when all of a sudden my EPC went off in my 2013 volkswagon gti my entire car shut down (manual transmission) i lost all steering ability while on the freeway going 75 mph i couldn't get over to the shoulder due to loss of brakes due to entire car shutting down .i was almost smashed by a semi due to inability to steer my vehicle to total ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
at any speed the Explorer would go into "limp Mode"....NO THROTTLE...Terrian Management Error would appear and the wrench sign,,,,,dash lights and terrain knob light would go off....at highway speeds, with no warning, this could be a deadly situation.....taken to our local Ford dealership.....they had no idea what happened....COULD DO NOTHING...after some research we decided to have them replace t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
The Blindspot system, cross tragic system, airbags, and climate control all were disabled intermittently. Climate control disabled allowed my windows to fog up impairing visibility which posed immediate danger of collisions. I read an online forum and found that my tail light had water in it which created a short to all those systems.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Mustang. The contact stated upon servicing the vehicle, the dealer informed her that the outer shell of the lug nuts was swollen, hindering the replacement of tires. The dealer replaced all 16 lug nuts. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 54,136.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The latch around the front passenger tire was off when I bought the car and findley Toyota would not fix it and stated every time I wen in that there was a rattle on the front passsenger tire. They knew there was a problem and they wouldn't fix it and told me that it wouddl cast me $2,500
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
was going to work on rt 80 east had cruise control on and was getting off exit 45 in new jersey to get bus into manhattan at approx 430 amwhile getting off highway stepped on brakes pedal went to floor tried pumping nothing happened nor did criuise control disengage or collision warning come on a total collapse of system had this car for approx 1 month purchased used at paramus mercedes benz took... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
Already had turbo go on this car once back in July 2022. Mechanic replaced turbo with another one (used with 20,000 miles on it) due to the turbo for this car being on backorder. Now my car is throwing P0299 after about 20,000 more miles being put on the used turbo and a P0420 code. Changed rear catalytic. Changed upstream O2 sensor, changed wastegate solenoid, turbo seems to be working fine, no n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
I was Driving down the HighWay at 70 MPH and the Vehicle is “Jerking” like I am Breaking then proceeded to fail to Accelerate and keep up with my RPMS.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
When vehicles comes to a stop or a slow roll. It makes a loud humming sound and cuts off in drive. The lights starts flickering ans The check engine flashes on at that time. Received a ecm code.I have to place in park and restart. Happens 70% of the time in drive and other times in reverse or park. Cruise control would not turn on. If on will not turn off with buttons
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
When vehicles comes to a stop or a slow roll. It makes a loud humming sound and cuts off in drive. The lights starts flickering ans The check engine flashes on at that time. Received a ecm code.I have to place in park and restart. Happens 70% of the time in drive and other times in reverse or park. Cruise control would not turn on. If on will not turn off with buttons
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
My vehicle is just over 80k miles and has received regular maintenance services. Inspection available upon request. My engine would rattle during idle, stopped at a light, and sounded as if the RPM were increasing. I would have to turn my car off then back on for it to stop. No engine or warning lights. As this became more frequent, I also noticed a very intense shaking coming from the front passe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty, and that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The ma... Read more
ACURA
INTEGRA
(2023) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Feb 3, 2023
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty, and that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2019
Electrical system malfunction caused by a faulty generator which was confirmed by Audi Connection (servicing dealership) in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
While driving approx 65 mph on a freeway the vehicle placed itself into neutral and decelerrated as multiple warnings flashed across dashboard. . . “Emissions System Problem”, “Transmission System Problem”, “Electric Parking Brake Problem”. I was able to pull off to the side of an exit ramp but once I put the car in PARK I could not shift into Drive. I could not safely drive/manuever m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
My used 2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco, 1.6 Turbo, currently with 118,000 miles has been consuming 1 quart of oil every 500 miles. Unfortunately, my 5 year warranty by mileage has passed. Since the vehicle warning system doesn't have a low oil light; if you don't stay vigilant checking the oil level dipstick, the engine could fail and seize up during usage without warning, not ideal while driving the veh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Engine started Knocking, check engine light came on and car went in to “limp mode”. Car needs new engine.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKING SYSTEM. Faulty control in the dash. Known issue per mechanic but no recall issued. Safety issue as trailer brake may not function properly when towing as a result
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
We have had problems with our 2011 Sienna's electromagnetic coupling and the rear differential. Through my research, I have learned this is a very common problem with the Toyota Sienna. Appears the same problem occured in the RAV4 and a recall was issued, however an recall was not issued with the Sienna. The repair is very expensive, upwards for $4,000 and we had two electromagnetic couplings f... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
Apparently Toyota had a recall for the dash of their camry solara models back in 2015 for dashes that melt, bubble, become extremely tacky/sticky & peel when temperatures rise. However, I never received any notice of said dash recall for which my 2005 Toyota Solara qualified for, nor did I hear of any recalls in my local area on any MN news stations. A melting, sticky dash causes glare that is hig... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
Check Engine Light was lighting up on and off sporadically and fuel gage was showing E with light on and now both are not working properly. The check engine light stays on and fuel gage always shows empty even when it is full.
ACURA
RDX
(2015) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Jan 30, 2023
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and extended to the floor, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who discovered that the brake hoses had failed due to rusting and corrosion of the brake lines. The contact was also informed that the entire subframe had ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2019
The vehicle has experienced an acceleration hesitation issue on a number of occasions. When I depress the accelerator from a stop and take my foot off the brake the vehicle does not respond. If I take my foot off the accelerator then depress it again all the way to the floor the vehicle after 3 or 4 seconds will lunge forward. In an intersection this "stall" may cause a collision with another ve... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2019
The car would only brake when pushing the brake pedal to the floor. Once diagnosed it was found the HCU needed to be replaced and was told this was on National Backorder. This car went to a mechanic for 2.5 months due to this. And I took it to the Ford Dealership after being told it could be fixed. There is a recall for other years of this same model for this part.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2019
The contact’s daughter owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
Car caught fire 1-28-23 minutes after I was park at home car was recently taking to ford of mt juliet Tennessee and wa diagnosed with a oil leak and transmission issue car only leaked but this day it caught fire minutes after my wife drove it 5miles from the house and back..
Fire
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
Hello, I am making a complaint about my 2017 Subaru Outback's windshield. I am frustrated that my windshield has cracked for the second time in just over 2 years. In early October 2020, I purchased the vehicle as a used car. Three weeks later a small rock hit the windshield on the driver's side and a small chip became a large crack that spread across my vision over 1 ft long. I brought it to the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The drivers door lock sticks in the cold, so it will occasionally lock me into or out of my vehicle. I feel this is a safety issue, because I may not be able to exit my vehicle quickly in an emergency situation. It also may not lock leaving the vehicle vulnerable to theft.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
I went to reverse, then drive and Left turn into a parking spot inside a small flattop parking lot. My car made a popping noise and grating sounds after the reverse and turning of the steering wheel. I turned off my car once in the spot and looked under the car is it sounded like something was grating against the ground. I didn’t see anything. Upon restarting the car, the sounds continued when I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The headlights are very dim and I cannot drive this vehicle at night due to safety. This problem comes back after replacement of headlight assembly.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
Was told parts still backoreded. Door latches present safety hazard
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
When I hit a bump with this truck the steering shakes violently. I brought to ford and they said it is a steering dampner and it is a recalled part and they would fix it as a recall however they said they dont have the part and they dont know when the part will be available. I am now left with an undriveable truck and no one can tell me when it can be fixed.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
My 2012 GLK350 leaking gas from under the rear right passenger seat, where the gas cap located. we fill up gas when we came back to home and park in the garage gas smell was very strong We thought may be because of spill some gas while Pumping. Next day gas smell was still strong inside of garage. I found gas leaking from under the rear right passenger seat. gas was dripping on the plastic cover... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the defroster selector was inoperable, and the front and rear windshields could not be properly defrosted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
With no impact whatsoever a crack appeared on the INSISE of the vehicle windshield. Outdoor temp was about 40 degrees. Has never been on highway has 2400 miles on it.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
All electrical systems failed while driving around 30mph, Power steering failed, power brakes failed, lane assist failed. We were at high risk of a crash due to lack of control of the car while driving. We were lucky that it happened on a flat road and we were able to manually pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer and we were told that the car did show... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
Please note that this exact same issue has been previously reported by another driver ... While the car was fully stopped at a red light, in drive, and with the brake pedal depressed, the Audi pre sense system falsely triggered. There were no vehicles or pedestrians in close proximity and there was no apparent reason for the trigger. The seat belts were forcefully retracted and the pre sense li... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
I purchased a Mazda CX-30 October 2021 - in April of 2022 the oil light came on mileage 4,672 and I decided to have just have the oil changed at Hello Mazda of San Diego. They said they wouldn't charge me for the oil only the service charge. And mentioned that something is wrong and will top the oil off at no charge in the future. Last month in November I took a short trip to Tucson AZ to visit fa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
We have taken the vehicle in to Zeigler kia twice to complain about a clicking noise athat sounds like it around the tire area. Neither time has the issue been resolved. We have also taken the vehicle in for a recall that possibly could be related to the sensors being inoperable. This issue has yet to be resolved as well. They are quite unhelpful even making us stay on hold for over 30 minutes to... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
Service shifter light, EVERYTHING ON THE DASH BORD LIGHTS, UP, THE WHEEL LOCKS , NO EMERGENCY LIGHTS CAN BE TURN ON, WHEN THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHTS UP, OR PARK. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER HAZARD, ANY ONE CAN BE HURT. THIS HAPPEN TO ME IN THE RAIN , MULTIPLE TIMES, EXITING FROM FWY . I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN ON THE EMEGENCY LIGHTS , I HAD MY NEWBORN IN THE CAR. I HAD TO STAND OUTSIDE IN THE RAIN WITH M... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2018
I was preparing 2008 corvette with 93k miles for winter storage end of 2022. Filled tank and put in garage with cover. Next day strong smell of fuel filled garage. Looked into other cases if this was common and found that there were a lot of customers with same problem cracked fittings on fuel pumps but coverage was only for 10 yrs. Fuel can drip down onto exhaust from what I read on others post. ... Read more