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: May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with a thumping sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle failed to start with the lights illuminated inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was d... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
Kia issued a safety recall recognizing the power sliding doors on the Kia Carnival do not properly reverse when they encounter an object while closing. Their solution to the identified problem is to simply sound two beeps when the door closer and reduce the speed of closure. This is entirely unacceptable resolution to the problem. Adding two beeps will do nothing to protect my two year old son fro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
The Jeep has had a deadly death wobble. it has been awful to drive Jeep has parts on back order for 6 months. it continues to throw me off the road or into oncoming traffic.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
The Jeep has had a deadly death wobble. it has been awful to drive Jeep has parts on back order for 6 months. it continues to throw me off the road or into oncoming traffic.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Check arm welds on door are faulty, and the welds break.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
On a few occasions (3?) the cars’ automatic emergency braking feature activated while driving at both highway and normal speeds. On none of the occasions was there inclement weather or a “slick” condition on the road. The feature would activate, give a visual and audible warning, and then de-activate within a few seconds. When the feature activated, I felt the car jerk a bit to slow down, a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
Key gets stuck in the ignition. Turns off to ACC, but won’t turn back to LOCK. Cannot remove key.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
I was driving in 55 mph zone in heavy rain and car slowed down to less than 25 mph and would not accelerate over 25 mph when I pressed the gas. Dashboard lit up amber and stated “collision mitigation braking system problem..see your dealer” and lane departure problem. Car eventually accelerated but automatically decreased speed again and I was unable to accelerate after pressing gas. This happ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
I was driving in 55 mph zone in heavy rain and car slowed down to less than 25 mph and would not accelerate over 25 mph when I pressed the gas. Dashboard lit up amber and stated “collision mitigation braking system problem..see your dealer” and lane departure problem. Car eventually accelerated but automatically decreased speed again and I was unable to accelerate after pressing gas. This happ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Infiniti QX60. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the Occupant Classification System (OCS) control unit to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,100... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
On January 1, my wife was returning home from a grocery run when our 2019 Forester’s dashboard suddenly lit up like a Christmas tree--Check Engine, EyeSight, Anti-Lock Brakes, Anti-Skid, and blue Temperature lights all came on simultaneously. The Forester did not lose any appreciable power but the heater stopped working and was only blowing cold air. My wife was only a couple of miles away and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
This vehicle keeps having a "Emissions System Problem" Then other times says "Transmission Temperature Too Hot" I bought and get this serviced at my local dealer. They don't know what the problem is and it goes away after I see them for a couple weeks but the problems come back. They say no problem. It's unnerving to drive a car with theses messages and I drive long distances.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
This vehicle keeps having a "Emissions System Problem" Then other times says "Transmission Temperature Too Hot" I bought and get this serviced at my local dealer. They don't know what the problem is and it goes away after I see them for a couple weeks but the problems come back. They say no problem. It's unnerving to drive a car with theses messages and I drive long distances.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
This vehicle keeps having a "Emissions System Problem" Then other times says "Transmission Temperature Too Hot" I bought and get this serviced at my local dealer. They don't know what the problem is and it goes away after I see them for a couple weeks but the problems come back. They say no problem. It's unnerving to drive a car with theses messages and I drive long distances.
ACURA
MDX TYPE S
(2022) - TIRES
May 7, 2023
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
With 13,253 miles, this LT235-80 R17 tire tread started separating making it unusable and unsafe, especially since it was a front tire.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Last night I had an update pushed to my car. I pressed ok. today while backing up i heard a slight pop. my car then said check battery . then second alert said stop vehicle and check power supply. others with this car seem to have this issue as well and is taking a long time to fix and resolve.
Incident date: May 7, 2023
The ABS system has been damaged since September 23, 2022 and I went to the dealer in West Palm Beach and the one in Ocala Fl and none of them have the part. And it's not just me, there are many people with the same problem.
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected and informed of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V021000 (Steering) and 18E096000 (Steering). The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle was drifting to the left and the right. The contact had to drive at speeds lower than 15 MPH to prevent the drifting from occurring. The contact took the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The Instrument Cluster failed while driving. No gauges on dash work and the gear shift indicator light does not work. I have read online other owners with the same complaint. This should be on recall.
Incident date: May 4, 2023
While using the autopilot or cruise control feature The vehicle slams on the brakes without driver intervention. I found this appears to be a common problem called “ Phantom Braking” I opened ticket with the local Tesla facility but they required an accurate time storm of the incident to be able to troubleshoot the issue. This is a major safety issue and I request it be investigated as soon ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Driver side seat warmer not working, back warmer works. Loud buzzing sound on passenger side every time I put the car in drive and when I lock my car.
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Driver side seat warmer not working, back warmer works. Loud buzzing sound on passenger side every time I put the car in drive and when I lock my car.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Transmission locked gears and would not accelerate causing a huge safety violation when it occurred on an interstate. Vehicle was just seen by a mechanic that deemed the car safe to drive and then the car proceeded to malfunction. Vehicle has history of a slipping transmission, with no diagnosis ever found.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
My car is lunging forward when I stop at a traffic light once I let my foot off of the brake to step onto the gas pedal. My engine light happened to come on to coincide with this problem. I feel that this is unsafe.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
Called local dealership as soon as we received recall notice in September 2022. Because we were already having issues. They said probably March for the blower motors to come in that they were on back order. Here we are now in May and still nothing. I’ve called the dealership and they said that they were going to see where they could locate a blower and call me right back. They have not yet calle... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
Drivetrain malfunction popped up and the car cut off and went into neutral while driving on the road which almost led us to lose control and wreck. Many issues with the fuel pump.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
I was driving on a highway using the adaptive cruise control. Several times the car braked for no reason at all. There were no cars in front of us, it was phantom breaking for no apparent reason. It was a long road trip of 12 hours over 2 days and I stopped using cruise control when anyone is behind me out of fear of causing an accident. The issue happened at least 15 times over the 2 days. I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
April 21, 2023 me and my daughter was driving from Jacksonville Beach to Fernandina Beach around 6pm. Exiting from 295 to i95, I removed my autopilot to reduce speed, I was very focus driving, not on my cellphone and even sleepy. Then I saw the car in front of me suddenly stopped, i know i have enough distance and confidently press the break hard enough to make it stop. But the tesla, while star... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
My 2022 Honda Civic Touring steering wheel becomes sticky at high speeds (past 40 mph) and will feel notchy when trying to make small adjustments. My Civic has 15,000 miles and this problem began around 11,000 miles. It becomes worse on the highway or high speed back roads. Also when exiting a highway and the exit is a curve, my steering wheel will become stuck and I have to force it to go back in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
In March my driver’s side door starting popping or squeaking. I thought my door needed oil. I didn’t call the dealership because was going on vacation and was going to get it oiled when I returned since my car would just be in the garage. I came home mid April and it was much worse. I was finally able to get in and told it is SSM50150 and that the weld broke and my door needed replaced. My car... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
The vehicle was purchased back in March and was parked in my driveway for about a month between uses. When I drove it again, I had the "Charging System Service Now" alert pop up on the screen. This was not present when we left the dealership, and they were not willing to help me solve the problem. I checked it with a code reader at home, but it did not generate any codes. I put the battery on a ch... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
Vehicle will occasionally fail to properly initialize its safety systems, causing ABS, Traction Control, FCW, warning, auto stop, auto hold lights to come on and the aforementioned systems to fail. This disables driver assist features and important safety systems. Kia Dealer does not attempt to resolve. Claims that “we parked too close to a tree and the vehicle thinks it was in an accident” wo... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
On April 29th 2023 while washing my Volvo XC90 I opened the trunk to clean out the crevasses around the car. As I continued to wipe down/dry the vehicle I placed my hand at the top of the trunk opening and moved my way downwards to wipe the bumper and side of car. Unfortunately, the handsfree tailgate feature activated and the trunk began to close on my hand. Due to my hand being so close to the ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The vehicle features a panoramic sunroof with a retractable sunroof shade. The sunroof shade is attached to the sides of the vehicle ceiling with glue that fails over time and causes the sunshade to partially or completely detach from the ceiling of the vehicle, causing a dangerous obstruction to visibility.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
While driving my vehicle when trying to accelerate it wouldn’t go above 20mph had to hit the brakes then vehicle would just accelerate real fast I was in traffic with my kids thank god we wasn’t hurt Nissan needs to recall this situation it’s affecting a lot of 2013 and up
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
Hyundai issued a recall in August 2022 for a potential fire hazard involving their vehicles equipped with a towing package. Their temporary solution was to remove a safety fuse from the system, thus rendering the towing capability unusable. I took my vehicle to the Hyundai dealership to have the recall addressed. The previously mentioned temporary solution was applied. There have been no updat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
Car started getting warning that says service AdvanceTrac. Hill assistance not available. It started around March 15th. The lights of the ABS and 2 others come on and then off. I would come into my car and the floor mat on the driver side would be wet no rain or anything outside. Yesterday, brake fluid light came on and breaks went completely out. I have a recall on my vehicle that I’m pretty su... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
The shoulder straps on the infant carseat do not snug onto my child compared to a graco carseat I had to purchase for her safety. The straps are almost impossible to tighten and loosen. I thought when she was born that was the reason why it was loose but she is now 3 months old and they still are very loose around the chest area and do not tighten. The strap is also pulled all the way to the max l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Car uses an excessive amount of oil. Have to add more than a quart every 1000 miles
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Car uses an excessive amount of oil. Have to add more than a quart every 1000 miles
Incident date: Apr 7, 2021
The engine part “Coolant bypass joint” failed, started leaking coolant at 44k miles, because it was made of inferior plastic material, unlike the same part used in the same 3.5L V6 engines in the Lexus vehicles, which are made of aluminum. This is a widespread failure since 2016 model years, and Toyota refused change the design or manufacturing material of the part, or to repair it under war... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2021
Brake actuator failed while driving down the road on Friday, 04/14/2023. The car became hard to slow down/brake. Brake light, traction control light, ABS warning lamp came on, and tire pressure lamp came on. Next day lights went out. Then again all lights as above came on while driving down the highway. That was Wednesday 04/18/2033. Took to Toyota dealership who confirmed brake actuator had fa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph the vehicle crashed into a tree causing severe damage to the front end. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy and the collision avoidance system did not activate to prevent the crash from occurring. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed at the scene and the vehicle was towed awa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and driving over a pothole, the vehicle started to shake uncontrollably. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and the vehicle stopped shaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 21,000. The VIN was not available.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the brake hydraulic line needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Add... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the brake hydraulic line needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Add... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
My windshield has suffered a crack and several knicks from road debris hitting it. The windshield does not seem as resistant to damage from small pebbles/road debris as it should be.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Air condition system. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I hear metal particles sound inside the AC system under the hood once the car is stopped, which I assume may cause the combustible r1234yf refrigerant to set on fire, particularly in states like Texas and Arizona. 3.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
Back up camera is upside down, blurry or does not work, when in reverse
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
I was backing up a residential driveway. My backup camera showed my wheels were in line. My steering wheel turned and my car had a sudden unintended acceleration. My car destroyed a double steel garage door. Pushed a parked vehicle forward approximately 10-12”. The vehicle crushed a riding lawn mower, pushing the mower through a sheet rock wall. If anyone had been in this area of the garage, the... Read more
Crash