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: Apr 1, 2022
water Leakage in the trunk, water gets filled up in the trunk side box. Driver side seat is making noises when moved forward or backwards and also there is an mis paint on the body near the brake light
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
water Leakage in the trunk, water gets filled up in the trunk side box. Driver side seat is making noises when moved forward or backwards and also there is an mis paint on the body near the brake light
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
water Leakage in the trunk, water gets filled up in the trunk side box. Driver side seat is making noises when moved forward or backwards and also there is an mis paint on the body near the brake light
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
On two occasions now my vehicle was parked at the train station and I have returned to the back window being cracked. The first time (11/21) when I shut the rear passenger door I heard the glass crack. There was a small hole near the bottom center which quickly expanded as doors were closed. The second time (8/22) I walked up to my vehicle and there was a large hole in the rear window which loo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
On two occasions now my vehicle was parked at the train station and I have returned to the back window being cracked. The first time (11/21) when I shut the rear passenger door I heard the glass crack. There was a small hole near the bottom center which quickly expanded as doors were closed. The second time (8/22) I walked up to my vehicle and there was a large hole in the rear window which loo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Low beams very dim due to headlight housing defect
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
After coming to a stop at a red light, the vehicle engine turned off as designed with auto start stop. When the light turned green, the vehicle temporarily restarted when I released the brake pedal, but immediately stalled and would not restart. This is a major safety concern as I was on a four lane road with traffic all around and I was unable to move. I had place the vehicle into park, turn... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Good afternoon, my Acura MDX 2016 roof paint peeling off. It is known problem. also I found gov. document for warranty extension. but Acura refuse to fix my MDX paint job. because of my car is not in the warranty extension list. please check attached my photo file. this shows perfectly matched claim requirement. 2016 Acura MDX white pearl color (NH603P) what should I do please help me.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
Engine shut down at stop (gas saving feature) when I try to go again give it gas car stalls.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
The sunroof/moonroof was closed and it exploded/shattered going down a major interstate highway doing 65mph. It sounded like a bomb or someone shot a gun at me. Glass is everywhere and its not cleaned up. Nothing was thrown at vehicle. There are no recalls on this vehicle. No warning lights or messages when it happened. I was very lucky I didn't receive injuries from the falling glass/getting cut.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
I have a defective dashboard in my Acura TL. The dashboard is cracking. One of the crack pieces popped out and flew into my eye while driving. I almost rear-ended someone. I would hate for this to happen to anyone else. There needs to be a recall on all dashboards. 2. I can not see through my review mirror. The top half is light grey and the lower half is blacked out/tinted. A rearview mirror is ... Read more
Crash
5 injured
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
I have a defective dashboard in my Acura TL. The dashboard is cracking. One of the crack pieces popped out and flew into my eye while driving. I almost rear-ended someone. I would hate for this to happen to anyone else. There needs to be a recall on all dashboards. 2. I can not see through my review mirror. The top half is light grey and the lower half is blacked out/tinted. A rearview mirror is ... Read more
Crash
5 injured
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
On a multi-day road trip, the car had a temporary complete loss of power on two separate days. Both times this happened after several hours of driving at highway speeds on I-15 in California, outside temperatures were in the 90s. After a slight deceleration and then applying the accelerator again, there was a 'clunk' like sound possibly from the transmission, and then a complete loss of power. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
On a multi-day road trip, the car had a temporary complete loss of power on two separate days. Both times this happened after several hours of driving at highway speeds on I-15 in California, outside temperatures were in the 90s. After a slight deceleration and then applying the accelerator again, there was a 'clunk' like sound possibly from the transmission, and then a complete loss of power. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
On a multi-day road trip, the car had a temporary complete loss of power on two separate days. Both times this happened after several hours of driving at highway speeds on I-15 in California, outside temperatures were in the 90s. After a slight deceleration and then applying the accelerator again, there was a 'clunk' like sound possibly from the transmission, and then a complete loss of power. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the engine suddenly shut off when the driver attempted to accelerate forward. During the failure, the message “shift into park to restart” had displayed. After shifting to the park position the engine was restarted and the vehicle operated as normal. The failure had occurred on at least four separate occas... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
Father in laws vehical, low beam headlights so dim you can not see the road in front of you. very unsafe condition. bulbs changed, it appears reflective material inside the housing is missing or faded away, replacement lamp assembly very expensive. I see many other reports of this problem on here & on the Web. Other Acuras have had recalls issued for similar reasons, why not this one?
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
My passenger and I were stopped in a gas line, and had just moved my car from park to drive. I tapped on my gas pedal to inch the car forward as the car in front of me was now about 3 car lengths ahead of me. As I lifted my foot off the pedal and the car began to roll, it picked up speed and started to accelerate, despite my foot being off the gas pedal. Upon attempting to brake multiple times, t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
My passenger and I were stopped in a gas line, and had just moved my car from park to drive. I tapped on my gas pedal to inch the car forward as the car in front of me was now about 3 car lengths ahead of me. As I lifted my foot off the pedal and the car began to roll, it picked up speed and started to accelerate, despite my foot being off the gas pedal. Upon attempting to brake multiple times, t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
My passenger and I were stopped in a gas line, and had just moved my car from park to drive. I tapped on my gas pedal to inch the car forward as the car in front of me was now about 3 car lengths ahead of me. As I lifted my foot off the pedal and the car began to roll, it picked up speed and started to accelerate, despite my foot being off the gas pedal. Upon attempting to brake multiple times, t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V027000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times and informed the contact that they did not have the equipment needed for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
EPS, electronic power steering module failure. "Check power steering system"
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
All software systems failed, disabling the vehicle. Error messages included failure in braking, steering, and other vital systems. Acura roadside assistance determined that the car had to be towed to the nearest dealer. The dealer confirmed the issue was a "DTC P061B PCM internal malfunction" and performed a "PGM-FI software update to correct the issue." The vehicle was completely disabled, and we... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
All software systems failed, disabling the vehicle. Error messages included failure in braking, steering, and other vital systems. Acura roadside assistance determined that the car had to be towed to the nearest dealer. The dealer confirmed the issue was a "DTC P061B PCM internal malfunction" and performed a "PGM-FI software update to correct the issue." The vehicle was completely disabled, and we... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
All software systems failed, disabling the vehicle. Error messages included failure in braking, steering, and other vital systems. Acura roadside assistance determined that the car had to be towed to the nearest dealer. The dealer confirmed the issue was a "DTC P061B PCM internal malfunction" and performed a "PGM-FI software update to correct the issue." The vehicle was completely disabled, and we... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
Suspension clicking noise when turning wheel to from one end to another. I found that the outer tie rod end ball joint wasn’t torque down. I double checked the lower ball joint and found it wasn’t torque down as well. The clicking went away after torquing down the outer tie rod joint.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2018
The headlights are extremely dim. I have replaced the bulbs 2x. After looking on line, see that owners of 2013 - 2015 Acuras report this dangerous problem - can’t see clearly at night and especially in the rain. Called Acura - they said no recall. From the hundreds of posts it is a visibility/safety problem. Has gotten worse over time.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
1. On dash flashing air bag system off 2. Upon acceleration and getting up to speed it missing like bad gas but its not. I use required premium. 3. Not shifting properly upon acceleration of speed properly.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
1. On dash flashing air bag system off 2. Upon acceleration and getting up to speed it missing like bad gas but its not. I use required premium. 3. Not shifting properly upon acceleration of speed properly.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
1. On dash flashing air bag system off 2. Upon acceleration and getting up to speed it missing like bad gas but its not. I use required premium. 3. Not shifting properly upon acceleration of speed properly.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
In an auto collision where a car rear end the vehicle from an idle position into an 18-foot box truck in front which was also idle. The vehicle smashed in the front and back which it was deemed a total loss and the airbag did not deploy. This caused the driver to have several injuries including a head concussion. When contacted the dealer service department where recall maintenance had been per... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
In an auto collision where a car rear end the vehicle from an idle position into an 18-foot box truck in front which was also idle. The vehicle smashed in the front and back which it was deemed a total loss and the airbag did not deploy. This caused the driver to have several injuries including a head concussion. When contacted the dealer service department where recall maintenance had been per... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
Vehicle failed MD emissions inspection 3 times in a row because OBD computer could not communicate.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
My experience is in the attached file. My concern is Honda (Acura, same company) issued a service bulletin with VIN ranges (which my vehicle falls in) and yet there is no diagnostic error code to show it happened to the car, repair persons/dealerships can and have denied fixing anything because they can’t diagnose it and it’s in the owner’s manual directing the owner to take it to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TSX. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill, the vehicle would accelerate independently and he was unable to control the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated on 7/29/2022 while depressing the accelerator pedal, he lost control of the vehicle again. The contact knoc... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TSX. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill, the vehicle would accelerate independently and he was unable to control the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated on 7/29/2022 while depressing the accelerator pedal, he lost control of the vehicle again. The contact knoc... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
I've had the vehicle since around 44 k , Purchase and shortly months later technology lighting a battery issues, someone started hacking me saying they were a car warranty services , harassment in cybersecurity daily I've had over 6-8 electrical light replacements, 2-3 battery replacements, 3 alternator replacements, hacking is daily asking me to pay brides of 1000.00 which I have never participat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
I've had the vehicle since around 44 k , Purchase and shortly months later technology lighting a battery issues, someone started hacking me saying they were a car warranty services , harassment in cybersecurity daily I've had over 6-8 electrical light replacements, 2-3 battery replacements, 3 alternator replacements, hacking is daily asking me to pay brides of 1000.00 which I have never participat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
I've had the vehicle since around 44 k , Purchase and shortly months later technology lighting a battery issues, someone started hacking me saying they were a car warranty services , harassment in cybersecurity daily I've had over 6-8 electrical light replacements, 2-3 battery replacements, 3 alternator replacements, hacking is daily asking me to pay brides of 1000.00 which I have never participat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
While traveling on Interstate at 7:30am there was a sudden Blowout Explosion of the sunroof glass. There were no other vehicles around they may have thrown debris. Vehicle has been examined by automobile glass shop
Incident date: Jul 28, 2016
The contact owns a 2014 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer and was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced; however, the failure reoccurred six months later. The contact stated that he was replacing the vehicle battery every six months. However, after the replacement of the batte... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the collision mitigation braking system inadvertently activated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had since deactivated the collision mitigation braking system. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
Like many other Acura RDX 2014 owners, I have also experienced the dimming of headlights to the point where it is unsafe to drive in the evening or during severe weather conditions. After replacing the bulbs twice and cleaning the lenses, I took it to an Acura dealership. They checked the wiring and confirmed there were no issues, and said that the headlight assemblies are failing and need to be r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
My sunroof shattered while I was driving on the highway.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
My Catalac converter needs to be replace I took it in backin March because dash lights were on . It was covered under warranty barley made it the first time I took it into Acura they failed to look if it was covered for me . After a month of stress and research it was so I took it back to Acura with the paperwork and spoke to the manager who checked it 2 times and said it wasn’t I handed him th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
My Catalac converter needs to be replace I took it in backin March because dash lights were on . It was covered under warranty barley made it the first time I took it into Acura they failed to look if it was covered for me . After a month of stress and research it was so I took it back to Acura with the paperwork and spoke to the manager who checked it 2 times and said it wasn’t I handed him th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
My Catalac converter needs to be replace I took it in backin March because dash lights were on . It was covered under warranty barley made it the first time I took it into Acura they failed to look if it was covered for me . After a month of stress and research it was so I took it back to Acura with the paperwork and spoke to the manager who checked it 2 times and said it wasn’t I handed him th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Acura RLX. The contact stated while switching lanes to the left, the vehicle started fishtailing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time. The contact was informed that the RTC actuators needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
Low-beam headlights are so faint, it's dangerous to drive at night. Dealer will not repair, local service station will not repair - both say that the entire front facia (bumper, grill, headlight assembly) would all have to be removed to access the headlight reflector. From your website, there have been hundreds of complaints for the same issue - what needs to be done for a recall, someone gettin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
During driving, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) will activate and "BRAKE" light will blink, indicating that you should apply brakes. This happened multiple times. Finally the CMBS warning light came on permanently. I took my car to Acura Dealership for repairs. They informed me that it was a software issue and update of the software should resolve this problem.