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: Nov 1, 2022
Cooling issues, replaced the thermostat, water pump, reservoir, still having issues. Was in an accident in 2015 and the airbags didn't go off.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Car randomly slams on the brakes while cruise control is active. Happen most frequently mid-day while the sun is out. Most frequent when coming over and overpass or small hill on the interstate. ~5 time in a day and of travel. Brake are apply and vehicle slows from 80 to sometime as slow as 60 in a couple seconds. No visible hazards or vehicle on the road at the time. Very scary and dangerou... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
Engine caught fire , oil consumption, miss firing, knocking brought to dealer they found nothing wrong with it back in December 2022. Car stopped working on March 11,2023 had fire underneath police had vehicle towed to the house. Insurance company will be here Monday. Will also be contacting Kia dealer in alliance Ohio on Monday. The engine light was on and checked missing firing cylinder one
Fire
Incident date: Dec 25, 2021
Vehicle has a recall notice but no remedy yet available. My clutch often gets close to over heating as I feel it start to slip in normal traffic conditions in heavy traffic. I often encounter very heavy traffic and must let the vehicles clutch cool down on the side of the road. Jeep dealerships tell me nothing they can do but replace factory clutch at owners expense. This is not fair, this SUV onl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2023
I was driving my brand new 2023 Corolla Cross FWD L Trim on a highway when I stopped at a red light. I have the Stop/System enabled on my car to get better gas mileage, but suddenly the steering wheel locked and the car would not start again when the light turned green. The "Check Engine" light came on and the dashboard told me to "Press Firmly on Brake to Restart Engine". I did this multiple time... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Nothing has happened to our car...yet. I've contacted Chrysler because my wife and I feel unsafe traveling at highway speeds in a car that, by their own admission, could simply stop functioning at any time and with no warning. This seems, you know, unsafe. Until this situation is resolved we will not travel on a highway which means we have essentially purchased a very expensive golf cart.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the oil cap had loosened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the oil cap and the valve cover were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2022
**I have made the dealership aware of the ongoing situation as well as Honda Corporate but I am waiting on a call back.* A month ago, I had my car on cruise control going around 76mph on flat land. After a while, while driving on flat land, my RPM's shot up to almost 6000 and the speed got up to 88mph in less than 10 seconds. I pulled over, shut the car off so I could calm down before driving aga... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2022
The touch screen needed to pair a bluetooth device for hands free usage does not work. It is not responsive to touch in any way, preventing users from pairing devices. From the looks of online forums, this is a pervasive problem for this make/model. If handsfree use is required in my state, this malfunction should be covered by warranty / toyota recall. The entire device is inoperable.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon entering her vehicle, she noticed that a vertical crack had formed at the middle base of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack obstructed her vision while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a manager inspected the windshield with a ballpoint pen and determined that the failure was caus... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Tire sizes: 245/70r17. Three tires went bad between November 2022 and March 9th 2023. First tire, the front right, replaced because its outside tread was going bad really quickly. I could see the metal sticking out of it. Two tires need replacing because they are bulging. The back left tire bulged so bad my car was shaking up and down until I took it off. Thought everything was fine but the bac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
The vehicle has a bucking motion while accelerating from stop up to speeds in excess of 35 mph. The bucking only occurs while shifting. The cars RPMs drop during this bucking and the vehicle comes close to stalling. The vehicle has 42,000 miles on it and TASCA Woonsocket, RI dealership says there is service bulletin on it.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that when doing the initial start, the rear of the vehicle began smoking and caught on fire. The contact turned off the vehicle and the fire settled however shortly after the rear window fractured. There were no injuries and no medical attention needed. There was no fire report. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen Premium, Tire Size: 235/60/R18, DOT Number: 000CMYANH. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear passenger’s side tire became deflated. The tire was replaced with the spare and the vehicle was taken to a tire retailer and the contact was informed that th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
We purchased this vehichle and the steering wheel has a slit through it like its been deployed i would like to make sure it is safe also the side passenger seat the front seems like something is pocking you through the seat like it is not supposed to be there also the whole steering system seems off and not safe . I would like it to be noted and a recall should be made before injury to anyone.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
Link - Lateral - Lower - Front - LH (Remove & Replace) LOWER LATERAL LINK -FRONT(1044341-00-D)
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
This car has excessive oil consumption and burns oil because the piston rings are faulty. Eventually can cause the engine to stop working and put lives on the road in danger. This was proven in a class action lawsuit against Volvo and they extended the warranty to 8 years or 100,000 miles however some cars are over the 100,000 miles and are still needing to add oil every 2-3 weeks. The low oil ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The Radio/Display is in a never-ending updating loop and the screen becomes very bright at the start of the update loop. In which cause temporary blindness at night while driving.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
The contact owned a 2008 BMW 128i. The contact stated that after driving at an undisclosed speed in inclement weather, she parked and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle later caught fire when she returned. A bystander witnessed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact noticed there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The fire department arrived on the scene and extingui... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 6, 2022
Abs cruse control forward collision lane departure lane keeping none of these features work dealer can not fix it very unhappy with ford,
Incident date: Sep 16, 2021
*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car has been taken to a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center and was told that the problem wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
Code p0850 for the tcm. Transmission would not go in park it happened 3 times on 3/3/2023 and 2 time 3/4/2023 truck would not shutoff due to the issue engine light came on and remains on. Had to set emergency brake so truck wouldn't roll and jump start the following morning because ignition had to stay on after seeing a chunk of snow fall off the transmission about 18"x10"and 6"thick it now shifts... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
I am referring to two notices; see attached. Inability to accelerate from a Stop and Rough idle in drive. The dealership, DeMontrond Hyundai Service Center will not repair as a recall. Please advise. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX]. Due to this problem, the car is hesitant to accelerate which causes problems INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
On January 20th 2023 I was involved in a 4 car wreck, I was hit twice very hard and non of my air bags deployed sending me into the steering wheel causing extreme injuries.
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Jun 3, 2020
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the remote start feature on the key fob was used to start the vehicle, which then automatically activated the window defroster. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the rear passenger's side window, and then a loud explosion was heard. Additionally, a strong fuel odor was... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2018
The ABS and traction control light came on and the vehicle sometimes doesn’t want to stop. The ABS kicks in and it takes a while for it to stop. It’s been twice where the vehicle ends up stopping in the middle of the intersection. Luckily no one was in front of us or coming the other direction.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
If I make a longer trip more than 10 to 15 miles the car does fine if I drive it 2 miles down the road or across the street to a different store the car tells me to check hybrid system. I had it check and code c1391 came up and that was repaired. Once repaired picked up from shop drove across the street to gas station and it told me to check hybrid system again and went into limp mode. Once I do a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-450. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel felt loose, and the vehicle was difficult to control. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated no failure was found, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired. The contact was unsure w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact had the vehicle jump started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the gear shift sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
I was hit from behind and slammed into the car in front of me while stopped at a light. The collision totaled my Atlas at 95% The air bags did not deploy nor did their give a warning for the collision. The damage was so severe that the inner frame of the vehicle is beyond repair. Recent warranty repairs were done to this vehicle prior to the accident one set to the dash electronics in the .ast 4 ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
No vehicle warning as it became engulfed in flames. Fire started from under the hood.
Fire
ACURA
RDX
(2013) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Mar 1, 2023
Incident date: Apr 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started smoking from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the wiring harness under the hood had melted and that the vehicle needed a new engine, wiring harness, and catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, she heard a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the noise was intermittent at first but had become almost constant and would occur at various speeds. The contact stated that she recently saw white smoke coming fr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2023
Passenger Air Bag light is on and is available for inspection. Concern: Safety of Passenger if air bag will not deploy. A Nissan dealership twice turned it off but the light keeps returning. Originally Nissan said the sensor was unplugged. The second time they didn't comment but the light was off when car was returned to me. I was happily not charged on either visit. The light first came on in Jan... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2019
While driving on the interstate in the right lane with adaptive cruise set at 70mph the cameras will occasionally read the off ramp/exit speed limit signs and brake hard to decelerate to the posted off ramp speed limit. This creates an opportunity for a rear end collision. Additionally, the adaptive cruise will “see” vegetation or guard rails on the opposite side of the road, while in a turn,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2018
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The message "Do Not Drive" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V017000 (Air... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2018
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the windshield wipers were activated, and the windshield wipers then became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. The dealer referenced recalls for the failure however, the VIN nor the year, make, or model vehicle was included. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an unknown fluid leak coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaig... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact opened the trunk to the vehicle; the contact exited the vehicle and the front driver’s side air bag deployed without warning or impact. There was no injury from the erroneous deployment. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 253,000.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
SMELLS strongly of GAS. Location of smell is strongest on driver side closest to windshield under the hood. Vehicle is currently with 2280 miles. Purchased in December of 2022. Smell began mid January 2023 with mileage approximately at 1700.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the headlight failed to provide adequate illumination while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the message indicating an EVAP leak was displayed. The contact checked and noticed that there was a leak underneath the vehicle coming from the fuel tank. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
2022 FOREST RIVER IBEX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO CO LEAK.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2019
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2007 GMC Sierra 1500. The contract stated while driving 20 MPH, the front driver's side air bag deployed with no impact. The contact stated that the battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after the inadvertent deployment, the front passenger side of the vehicle crashed into a barricade. The contact stated that he sustained a concussion; how... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
I purchased a new 2022 Chevy Colorado LT in January. When driving home and it got dark I used the dimmer to see better. When using the dimmer all of the radio dials turn completely off / dark (not illuminated at all). I drove off the road, looking down trying to find them. I notified the dealership the next day. They had the vehicle for about a week and told me it was fixed. I went to pick it up ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and it was determined that the front passenger occupant detection sensor needed to be replaced. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and above, the radar sensors failed to function intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer found no cause for the failure. The contact was informed to replace the sensors. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistan... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and above, the radar sensors failed to function intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer found no cause for the failure. The contact was informed to replace the sensors. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistan... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while parking the vehicle driving 5 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she forcefully depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact experienced the same failure a second time shortly thereafter. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, wh... Read more