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: Jan 18, 2023
Engine oil consumption: I have owned this car since November 2022 and took my Kia Optima to Valvoline for an oil change in December 2022 because my oil light came on and it turns out that my car was 3 quarts low and they topped my oil off for me. 1 month (January 2023) later my oil light in my car did NOT come on but the check your engine light did and it seemed like it was losing power. So in ord... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Hello my car has had an ongoing issue that was recalled for the 2009 to 2013 year Honda pilots regarding oil consumption. My car constantly has issues with misfiring due to oil on the spark plugs. This started happening around 90000 miles on my vehicle. After several expensive repairs including having the heads on my engine rebuilt, having the coils replaced and having the cylinder 1 spark plug re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2022
My back up camera works when it wants to sometimes and then other times it’s all blurry and can’t see also I get a light on for my brake system that goes on and off
Incident date: Aug 18, 2022
Vehicle unable to accelerate abruptly. Wont shift.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The contact’s father owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to make a knocking sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was hauled back to his father’s residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, no diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check hybrid system and two other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the side of the highway; however, the vehicle failed to restart. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was perf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
While driving on interstate 65 headed towards Mobile, Al. My 2019 Acura RDX lost ALL power. Every light surrounding the speedometer was lighted. No power, nothing.. was able to coast from the right hand lane to the shoulder of the interstate. . No power steering and I was moving slower and slower because I was on a hill. Frightening to say the least. If I had been in the left hand lane I’m not s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
We have a 2014 Audi Q7 with 60K mileage that we serviced and maintained by Hoffman Audi all the time. On December 27th, while on the freeway, the engine was shut down without any prior alert, with a lot of smoke and oil leakage. With our minimal knowledge, it appears the gasket was frozen, causing the coolant to leak into the engine's unwanted part and damage it completely. This is a manufacturin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
We have a 2014 Audi Q7 with 60K mileage that we serviced and maintained by Hoffman Audi all the time. On December 27th, while on the freeway, the engine was shut down without any prior alert, with a lot of smoke and oil leakage. With our minimal knowledge, it appears the gasket was frozen, causing the coolant to leak into the engine's unwanted part and damage it completely. This is a manufacturin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
I was driving, luckily at a slow speed when my trucks transmission without warning down shifted into first gear.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
I was driving, luckily at a slow speed when my trucks transmission without warning down shifted into first gear.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
Passenger side rear axle bolt failure. The bolt sheared off completely and was found rattling inside the center cap. Dealer states vehicle cannot be driven. Ford will provide rental until repaired but can’t provide estimated repair date.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
I was on the feeder road of a major freeway in Houston Texas at a stop the brake fully applied. The auto engine idle stop was enabled. When I removed my foot from the brake the engine did not restart. The lights, radio remained on but I was unable to drive my car or change the gear shift. Being on a freeway feeder was a dangerous place to be stalled and had to wait in major traffic for a tow tr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
Windshield was found cracked after parked for no apparent reason. Crack starts at the passenger side A pillar and goes 10 inches inward.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
To whom this may,I been having problems with check engine light keep coming on,I'm paying alot of money on this car,it could be that recall hose on back order causing that check engine light to come on,please HELP!!!!!!
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
While entering a roundabout, the throttle was released and brakes applied. Auto start/ stop light came on. Loud grinding occurred and all light notifications came up on the dashboard. Resulting in the car completely stalling. After putting the car in park it struggled to restart. Once it did, with more loud grinding, the oil was checked by a technician. The oil was almost completely gone. No leaks... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
There have been several instances of the vehicle completely shutting off while sitting idle and at red lights. I took it to the dealership and there is coolant leaking into the cylinders causing it to misfire. This is very dangerous and could cause the car to run hot or burn up! The said I should replace the engine but FORD should be responsible as this seems to be a problem in many of their escap... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2021
•Driver’s window failing to properly and completing retract. This has been particularly troublesome in the bitter cold of Northern Minnesota. On each visit to Subaru I have requested that the window be repaired. All efforts have been unsuccessful. •Battery failure without cause or prior warning signs. On previous visits the Service Center failed to address and resolve the battery proble... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a catastrophic camshaft failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
ACURA
RDX
(2013) — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
Jan 11, 2023
Incident date: Dec 17, 2022
truck rear glass shattered . I went inside the truck and when I closed the door I heard some shattering behind me , I turned back and saw little glass part falling down
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
Service ABS and Service Electronic Braking System warnings on dash. Dealer diagnostics indicate it is necessary to replace the ABS Module and Hydraulic Control Unit, both of which are necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle. Dealer quoted $1700 for repairs and one part is on back-order indefinitely.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
My passenger side dash airbag is bloating and tearing at the seam. It is available for inspection. I am concerned that it will continue to add pressure and eventually deploy. It seems unsafe for passengers -would it work properly in the case of an accident? And for myself as the driver, it would certainly startle me while driving if it deployed by itself. I took it in to get serviced and was t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
I have received mail from the manufacturer, Grand Design, stating my RV is subject to NHTSA Recall No. 22V-308. They provided details to indicate my RV may have a cracked fitting in it's propane gas distribution system. A physical inspection must be performed, and the fitting must be replaced if it has a crack. Obviously, this is troubling because it represents a danger of fire, explosion, or bo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
When connected to a trailer with trailer brakes, the driver information center displays a message check trailer brakes when I apply the brakes. After usually the 3rd brake application the driver information center displays a message. Service trailer brakes. Trailer brakes disengage. Local certified chevy dealer tested the brake components on a computer and verified it is the truck that has issues... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
While accelerating on the highway the vehicle lost power. Pressing the gas did nothing. Engine light blinked
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
While accelerating on the highway the vehicle lost power. Pressing the gas did nothing. Engine light blinked
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
While accelerating on the highway the vehicle lost power. Pressing the gas did nothing. Engine light blinked
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
Low Beam headlight are very dim at night and very unsafe to drive. I have to drive with high beams so I can see which makes it unsafe for other cars. I replaced bulb with no improvement. I read many cases of this online. Acura needs to have this recalled to replace headlight assembly.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
My wife and I were on the first day of vacation, driving from Virginia to FL by way of SC. Around 1pm I was driving the car on interstate 20 West in South Carolina near Bishopville. There were no cars in my lane in front of me and the car suddenly activated what Acura refers to as the CMBS system. The purpose of this is to stop us if it thinks we are going to run into another vehicle. I'm not 100%... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
My wife and I were on the first day of vacation, driving from Virginia to FL by way of SC. Around 1pm I was driving the car on interstate 20 West in South Carolina near Bishopville. There were no cars in my lane in front of me and the car suddenly activated what Acura refers to as the CMBS system. The purpose of this is to stop us if it thinks we are going to run into another vehicle. I'm not 100%... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
My low beam headlights barely put out any light.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
Ive always have problems with headlights low beam, they simply dont illuminates the road at night, I have to use high beam making others to flash their high beams at me. I have change bulbs but no matter what I instal they dont illuminate enough.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
While driving at highway speeds (45-75 mph) the steering will begin to stick. The steering wheel requires extra force to make an adjustment. After getting past the friction point, the steering is normal but will soon gain the friction point back. On highway ramps, the steering will hold the turn without any additional pressure and fails to return to the straight position. Added force required to g... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2017
I have 2014 Acura RDX with VIN: 5J8TB4H32EL008430. I'm facing with headlight issue since many years where my headlight with low beam is very dim and the roads are not visible in the dark. It is a major safety issue and my family was recently almost met with an accident. After the incident, I have changed the bulbs too but it didn't resolve the issue. I have searched online and found that many cust... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2017
I have 2014 Acura RDX with VIN: 5J8TB4H32EL008430. I'm facing with headlight issue since many years where my headlight with low beam is very dim and the roads are not visible in the dark. It is a major safety issue and my family was recently almost met with an accident. After the incident, I have changed the bulbs too but it didn't resolve the issue. I have searched online and found that many cust... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Headlights are too dim. This poses a safety risk while driving at night. I contacted the dealer, only requesting a price of replacing the bulb (before I researched it is more than just the bulb). I was informed that this is a known issue. No one inspected it. There are no warning lights. I would like to file a complaint so a recall can be issued and owners do not have to pay out of pocket expenses... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
While my wife was driving my RLX I left my neighborhood and made a right turn onto the main road, while on the main road the PAWS system malfunctioned and the vehicle "Fishtailed" causing the vehicle to swerve violently, steering turned violently as well and instrument cluster illuminated with multiple warning lights. PAWS system malfunctioned/failed (its available for inspection) The safety of my... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
While my wife was driving my RLX I left my neighborhood and made a right turn onto the main road, while on the main road the PAWS system malfunctioned and the vehicle "Fishtailed" causing the vehicle to swerve violently, steering turned violently as well and instrument cluster illuminated with multiple warning lights. PAWS system malfunctioned/failed (its available for inspection) The safety of my... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2021
The headlights on the 2015 Acura RDX are so dangerously dim that it isn't safe to drive at night or in any other low-light condition. The low-beam reflector itself has oxidized and is not reflective at all, and no amount of brighter bulbs or clean outside lenses can solve the issue. The only recourse is to replace the entire housing. A quick online search shows that this is a common complaint a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
A low-beam headlight is too dim to drive at night, especially during rain
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
The headlights on my vehicle have been very dim, to the point of being unsafe to drive at night, and especially in inclement weather. Driving at night time in low light conditions the road is barley visible, especially during precipitation. I have replaced the bulbs for both headlights multiple with no improvement to visibility. I have also tried having the headlight lenses cover polished, whic... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Both of head lights are too dim for the 2015 RDX. Not enough lights to safely drive in the night. Commonly known for headlight reflector deterioration; plenty of others have experienced same issue (link below) and it's costly to fix the defect by Comsumer; please ask the car maker to recall and repair the defect https://community.cartalk.com/t/acura-rdx-2015-dim-headlights/180589/15 Similar rec... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2021
Low beams gradually got dim and I cannot drive at night with low beams on a huge safety concern as I cannot see driving at night without my high beams on. There must be a recall on these models as there are numerous complaints for this issue.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and became stiff. In addition, the vehicle stalled, and the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the instrument panel warning lights illuminate on and off. The gear stick would not shift gear as needed. In addition, the vehicle stability assist (VSA) warning light was the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and became stiff. In addition, the vehicle stalled, and the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the instrument panel warning lights illuminate on and off. The gear stick would not shift gear as needed. In addition, the vehicle stability assist (VSA) warning light was the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and became stiff. In addition, the vehicle stalled, and the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the instrument panel warning lights illuminate on and off. The gear stick would not shift gear as needed. In addition, the vehicle stability assist (VSA) warning light was the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
Since we have had the car we have had multiple issues with the car jerking and shifting hard after driving in S mode then going to standard mode. Dealership told us the transmission is "sensitive" in our model year and if we go 1 mile overdue for a transmission fluid flush we will have shudder/jerking/ hard shifting. (we have changed the transmission fluid 1-2x since have had the car, which is wit... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
Since we have had the car we have had multiple issues with the car jerking and shifting hard after driving in S mode then going to standard mode. Dealership told us the transmission is "sensitive" in our model year and if we go 1 mile overdue for a transmission fluid flush we will have shudder/jerking/ hard shifting. (we have changed the transmission fluid 1-2x since have had the car, which is wit... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
Since we have had the car we have had multiple issues with the car jerking and shifting hard after driving in S mode then going to standard mode. Dealership told us the transmission is "sensitive" in our model year and if we go 1 mile overdue for a transmission fluid flush we will have shudder/jerking/ hard shifting. (we have changed the transmission fluid 1-2x since have had the car, which is wit... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
On 12/22/22, I was driving in a 2021 RDX SH-AWD with my pregnant wife and 2 year old son from Media PA to Pittsburgh PA . It was rainy and 35-40 degrees F the whole drive. Approximately 4 hours into the drive we stopped at a rest stop on the PA turnpike to get gas. While attempting to merge back onto the turnpike from the service road to the right of the turnpike, a truck was coming up behind me i... Read more