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: Aug 14, 2023
Shifts hard sometimes slamming into and out of gears causing car to jump. No warning lights torque converter replaced at 58000 miles. Less than two years later problem came back. It causes the car to jerk sometimes when it shifts and stutters at times as well causing the car to slow down. May someday stop with no warning causing a crash.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
Car does not turn off. Put car in park, remove key, still running. Change gears, step on brake, park, remove key while still on brake pedal, still running. Had to remove two components from fuse box to turn off car & electrical (dashboard was still on when first component was removed, which stopped engine). Key fob doesn’t work either, have to manually lock/unlock. Car is available for inspecti... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
The air in the car started blowing warm in 2021. I took it to the dealership and they said maybe a leak. They did a leak test and put something I. It to make it cold for a couple days. I’ve been having g the same complaint since. After looking online, I saw that it is a compressor issue. I had an oil change done last week and asked them to look at it. They said it was my compressor. The car is o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
When driving (Once going downhill 6% grade, several times driving level on the freeway and once on a 45 MPH road with ruts), the front end began shaking violently to the point I was losing control of the vehicle until I slowed down. The vehicle would be available for inspection upon request. Safety was impacted by the loss of control resulting from the vehicle violently shaking. I took the truc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
I was driving at approximately 30 mph when the transmission's OSS (Output Speed sensor) suddenly malfunctioned, causing an unexpected downshift into first gear. This abrupt shift led to a loss of control, resulting in a harrowing collision with a tree. What I witnessed next is etched into my memory forever: a scene of blood, fluorescent white bone fragments, and shattered glass strewn all around. ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
Vehicle has been consuming oil between oil changes. Recently the ABS, Down hill assist, and traction control lights came on. We took it to the dealer and were advised it was a wheel speed sensor in the passenger rear, but they wanted over $600 so we did not repair. Two days later all the lights went off and we had no issues. A month later I drove to Florida, checked and filled the oil with a lit... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
my 2011 fmc sierra 3500 drw denali suffered a failure of the Transmission Control Module (TCM). I could barely move the vehicle and almost got into an accident merging into traffic. Forward and reverse was affected. The transmission reverts to top gear after the failure, and makes driving very difficult. There was no warning for this failure Luckily I was minutes from my dealership. This problem ... Read more
ACURA
TLX TYPE S
(2023) - LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
Aug 31, 2023
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated there was oil leaking from the vehicle onto the floorboard nearby the brake pedal. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that a seal for the steering column was leaking and could cause the steering wheel to seize while driving. The Lane Keep Assist and Steering Assist would deactivate independently. The contact was informe... Read more
ACURA
TLX TYPE S
(2023) - STEERING:COLUMN
Aug 31, 2023
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated there was oil leaking from the vehicle onto the floorboard nearby the brake pedal. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that a seal for the steering column was leaking and could cause the steering wheel to seize while driving. The Lane Keep Assist and Steering Assist would deactivate independently. The contact was informe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
For over eight weeks, the vehicles alarm randomly goes off until it is disabled with key FOB. There is no indication of when it will alarm. It has happened during regular business hour and in the middle of the night, with no pattern in time of occurrence. This is a nuisance and disturbance to the public, as the alarm is very loud. Took the vehicle to the dealership for a diagnosis. Dealership d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
My rear locker is trying to lock while driving in 2H causing the light to flash constantly. Now due to that occurring the service locker is on this is a known issue and needs to become a recall as most Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators have this same issue
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
Rear passenger seat belt came unattached from receiver on braking. 7 year old in booster seat lunged forward
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
In hot weather the steering wheel sticks and is hard to turn and will not allow car to straighten up after the turn.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
Steering safety defect description. When holding steering wheel straight vehicle wanders in different directions not initiated by driver. Also when avoiding road hazards electronic steering is delayed between input and reaction. Bmw safety defect steering issue has been experienced by many customers. Many customers have documented complaints requesting Bmw, fix safety defects with steering. Safet... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light, the low oil pressure warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart even though the fuel gauge indicated that there was a quarter gal... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
I was driving on the highway to work and the "low oil pressure" alarm went off and I immediately noticed my car would not accelerate so I pulled over. I had it towed to the place I had the oil changed recently thinking it was something they might have done. They told me the oil was full and it seemed like an engine failure. I called my Ford dealer and they had me tow it to them to confirm whether ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
There is an open recall with no available fix. I don’t feel safe driving this car without the fix. We basically have to purchase a new car with less trade in value as it os unethical to sell or pay for a loaner. I called GM & they referred to the dealership. 2 different dealerships including dealership of purchase say there is nothing they can do as there is no fix. Please help.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500 equipped with Landsail Tires, Tire Line: CLX-1, Tire Size: LT275/70/R18, DOT number: TBDEF75C. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the tread of the front passenger’s side tire separated, causing the vehicle to start shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the front passenger’s side tire tread had sep... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500 equipped with Landsail Tires, Tire Line: CLX-1, Tire Size: LT275/70/R18, DOT number: TBDEF75C. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the tread of the front passenger’s side tire separated, causing the vehicle to start shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the front passenger’s side tire tread had sep... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Armada. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the gas cap to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated in June 2023, while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted into park and was able to restart the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
My 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's engine shut down while were driving. A warning popped up on our dashboard that the engine was about to shut down so we should safely pull over. There was very little time to pull over before the engine completely shut off. I estimate maybe 10 - 20 seconds. This started to happen when we were 3 hours from home. The first time we were on a side street and were able to pul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe was corroded and fractured in half and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
My car all of a sudden had a low oil pressure sign come on and the acceleration slowed down. The car started rattling. Had it towed to the mechanic. They said I have oil and its clean but the issue was that the oil pump/ belt inside the engine basically gave up. Apparently this is a common issue with this vehicle when it hits around 60-70k miles and I am not sure why.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
I am experiencing problems with my ABS & Traction Control system. This is the 3rd time I have had this issue with my truck since I purchased it new in 2018. The truck only has 56k miles on it. ABS/Traction control is definitely a safety issue due to brake not functioning properly as the truck is designed to do. Dealer says there are no alternative parts that can be installed & there is no reca... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The vehicle is turning off completely ir dying when driving. This is happening multiple times. I have to coast safely to pull over, can barely steer to get off the road. This happened 3 times on the way to town. This is very dangerous, I was lucky that I was able to pull over. If I was on express way I would have been in a crash.i don't feel safe driving the car with it cutting off intermittentl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The vehicle is turning off completely ir dying when driving. This is happening multiple times. I have to coast safely to pull over, can barely steer to get off the road. This happened 3 times on the way to town. This is very dangerous, I was lucky that I was able to pull over. If I was on express way I would have been in a crash.i don't feel safe driving the car with it cutting off intermittentl... Read more
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 21, 2023
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
fuel pump relay is failing to work from time to time
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 21, 2023
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
fuel pump relay is failing to work from time to time
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The frame on my 2014 GMC Sierra pickup is rusted through on the driver’s side cab area. A truck frame should last longer than 9 years old. Is GM going to do anything about this problem?
ACURA
TLX
(2015) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Aug 18, 2023
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS controller and ABS pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Driving home in the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, when the error message came up to Service Power Steering. A short time later also had messages for ESC, Restraint System, and Trail Brakes error messages. Then lost all electric power assist on the power steering, and truck almost impossible to turn without extreme effort. Took to dealer and they had truck for almost 2 weeks and said they couldn't replic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
I am having a problem with accelerating while driving. Car starts to jerk or stutter while driving.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When the vehicle was shutoff and put in park, the vehicle rolled. The parking pawl did not properly engage due to debris being in the way. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This time the movement of the vehicle was detected before any harm transpired. So the parking break was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Bolts on the backside of the camshaft adjusters broke off and went into the engine.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving up a slight incline and pulling a trailer a burning type odor was suddenly present inside the cabin and the check engine light had flashed on before the vehicle began to lose power and stalled. After lifting the hood smoke and flames were present coming from the engine compartment. The contact attempted to extinguish the fla... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
When in reverse abrupt automatic braking occurs. Safety hazard with abrupt stop around other vehicles, hard braking causes driver and passenger to pitch forward. No warning. Automatic Braking disabled, sensors checked, settings adjusted by dealer. Dealer says there is nothing they can do. General Motors contacted but no action taken to date.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
I have an issue that involves the metal railings in the center of the vehicle (on the floor) to get hot enough to burn and blister you. I filed a complaint with Kia which opened a case. I also took my vehicle in and this issue was verified by their mechanic. I was assigned a case number and after the employee on my case spoke with the enginer team it was determined that the only option for me wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while shifting into park(P) there was a beeping warning chime, and the gear shifter symbol was flashing. The shift to park message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was first intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repai... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I was driving 72mph on the Turnpike for about 30 minutes when suddenly I felt the car lose all power. The speed immediately started dropping, the RPM’s were very high. I had my foot on the gas pedal and it would not do anything. It was extremely scary being on highway with no power. I was able to make it to the next exit where I pulled into a gas station and turned the car off. I sat there for a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2021
The lighting system on 2014 Nissan Altima completely failed to the point where we couldn't drive the vehicle at night. We were unable to see the road. While searching Internet for potential issues, we found out that Nissan settled a lawsuit regarding the issues related to failing headlight/delamination issue (Suarrez vs. Nissan, 1-855-786-0996). We were never notified of the issue or the opportuni... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Says I have no recalls. I have terrible gas smell and steering light abs light traction light abs light and hard brake pedal. Seats and mirrors move by there selves. Steering wheel shakes. Overall this truck is worrying me so much I won't put my kids in it. Oh also airbag light on also.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Problem with transmission- sluggish when accelerating Very unsafe to drive I obtained diagnostic test from Simba Automotive- code: p1564-p0841-p17f0 At first there was no warning but after a few more drives warning engine light appeared on dashboard. Recommendation is to replace the transmission- cost around 7500 USD
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Assist program just stop working. This manages blind spot. I have no blind spot working.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
I have had the car 5 months and have had no problems. This week while driving there was a jerk of the steering wheel to the right and a second later I lost all power steering. I could not turn the wheel without using great force. Luckily I was in the far right lane and could pull over. Car behind me almost rear ended me. The warning on the Tesla screen said "steering assist reduced". I called... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
I am writing to complain about a serious safety defect in my 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross (VIN [XXX] ). On August 11, 2023, I recently received a letter from Toyota stating that the passenger airbag in my car may not deploy as designed in the event of a crash. This is a serious safety defect, and I am concerned about the safety of my car. I have owned my Corolla Cross for in excess of a year, and I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
Had my car inspected on Aug 5 everything was good and as I was driving down the road on Monday Aug 7 that afternoon and my airbag system (SRS) problem light came on we called the dealership on Tuesday morning and they said that we could drop it off and leave it on Wednesday and they would look at it when they got to it. So they called on Thursday and said it was u3000-49 internal failure of srs sy... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
I had the front wheels “wobble”. I had shocks replaced and a steering damper installed. The front end still bounces up and down, or wobbles, on every interstate overpass at interstate speeds.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
Coolant intrusion in the second cylinder causing engine failure. This is a known design flaw and ford will not fix it because its out of warrenty.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
Power steering failure. Electronic power steering rack failed while driving. Caused vehicle to go off road. Was able to avoid hitting anything but was only lucky.