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: 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.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
Transmission issues with my 2016 Acura MDX slipping into neutral and staying there while driving at high speeds on interstates. This could've caused injury to myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road due to the high speeds. Without being to able to accelerate when needed, it could've resulted in harm. Transmission Service Problem and Blind Spot Malfunction lights appeared. I took ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
Transmission issues with my 2016 Acura MDX slipping into neutral and staying there while driving at high speeds on interstates. This could've caused injury to myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road due to the high speeds. Without being to able to accelerate when needed, it could've resulted in harm. Transmission Service Problem and Blind Spot Malfunction lights appeared. I took ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
While driving on I-95 north, the check engine light began flashing on and off. We had been driving in a thunderstorm for approximately 100 miles, when it began flashing. Then suddenly the car began slowing down. There was no response to repeatedly stepping on the gas pedal. As the car slowed down I was able to get over to the shoulder, and put the car in park. Again trying to get a response by st... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
While driving on I-95 north, the check engine light began flashing on and off. We had been driving in a thunderstorm for approximately 100 miles, when it began flashing. Then suddenly the car began slowing down. There was no response to repeatedly stepping on the gas pedal. As the car slowed down I was able to get over to the shoulder, and put the car in park. Again trying to get a response by st... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
I recently purchased this vehicle and had nit driven it at night. On 07/20/22 at approximately 930pm I had to pick my son up at a friends home. We live in Florida and thunderstorms are routine here. While driving I noticed my visibility of the road was not clear. I pulled over during the storm and visually checked that my headlamps were on. They were except that the lighting was dim. I proceeded t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
I recently purchased this vehicle and had nit driven it at night. On 07/20/22 at approximately 930pm I had to pick my son up at a friends home. We live in Florida and thunderstorms are routine here. While driving I noticed my visibility of the road was not clear. I pulled over during the storm and visually checked that my headlamps were on. They were except that the lighting was dim. I proceeded t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
This his happened 3 times now. I have been driving on the highway with no cars in front of me in my lane within a quarter mile, and the braking since starts flashing a warning and starts to hard break, it is not only startling but very dangerous. This happened the 3rd time in a year. I usually try to disable it to prevent these issues but it auto turns itself back on every time i start the car so ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
Hard, jerking shifting at approximately 20 mph. Potential problem moving in close traffic such as from traffic light or entering traffic. No diagnostic warning/error lights. I’ve taken my car to Crown Acura 14080 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH on July 11, 2022 for diagnosing and servicing the problem. It’s an intermittent problem so they couldn’t replicate so they couldn’t diagnose the probl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
Hard, jerking shifting at approximately 20 mph. Potential problem moving in close traffic such as from traffic light or entering traffic. No diagnostic warning/error lights. I’ve taken my car to Crown Acura 14080 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH on July 11, 2022 for diagnosing and servicing the problem. It’s an intermittent problem so they couldn’t replicate so they couldn’t diagnose the probl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
Ofttimes when parking the car does not fully shut off because the accessory mode fails to shut off. I have to restart the car and put it in gear go forward or backward attempting to shut off everything several times before the car fully shuts off. I have had to purchase a new battery because the car failed to shut off when parked by an attendant. Sometimes it will take me at least six (6) attempt... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED, THERE IS A SPRING RELEASE/CLICKING NOISE. AS WE HAVE PUT MILAGE ON CAR IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
I was driving my car with my infant daughter in the backseat. We were stopped at a red light in the middle of a busy intersection. The car was in idle mode. When I went to turn left the car shifted into neutral. I could not go into drive. I had to turn the car off and turn it back on again to get it to move out of the intersection. We almost got rear ended. When my husband brought the car in the s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
I was driving my car with my infant daughter in the backseat. We were stopped at a red light in the middle of a busy intersection. The car was in idle mode. When I went to turn left the car shifted into neutral. I could not go into drive. I had to turn the car off and turn it back on again to get it to move out of the intersection. We almost got rear ended. When my husband brought the car in the s... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2022
Upon rapid acceleration, pushing the gas pedal down, the engine light started blinking and the car went into limp mode losing all power. This was a serious concern because we had just got off the interstate and if we had been full speed attempting to pass a vehicle, we could have been in a serious accident due to failure of power.
Incident date: May 23, 2022
Upon rapid acceleration, pushing the gas pedal down, the engine light started blinking and the car went into limp mode losing all power. This was a serious concern because we had just got off the interstate and if we had been full speed attempting to pass a vehicle, we could have been in a serious accident due to failure of power.
Incident date: May 23, 2022
Upon rapid acceleration, pushing the gas pedal down, the engine light started blinking and the car went into limp mode losing all power. This was a serious concern because we had just got off the interstate and if we had been full speed attempting to pass a vehicle, we could have been in a serious accident due to failure of power.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
Complete Transmission failure at 77,000 miles. Vehicle lost power at highway speeds causing a dangerous situation and stranded our family 650 miles from home. Had vehicle towed to the nearest acura dealership where I was told the transmission was terminal and needed to be replaced. Three weeks later the dealership has failed to find a transmission and nothing has happened. Acura extended a good fa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
When applying brakes, irrespective of speed at which I am traveling, I experience a distinct vibration/judder in the front brakes when applying the brakes on my 2017 Acura MDX.
Incident date: May 23, 2022
A case of SUA (sudden unintended acceleration). Approaching a car stopped at a red light. I stepped on the brake pedal to stop the car but instead, the car accelerates and rear ends the car at the red light. A couple hours later, driving the same car, another car makes a u-turn in front of me. I stepped on my brake pedal but instead, my car accelerates and almost crashes into u-turn vehicle. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
Tire size: 225/50R18 95H While parked I noticed the tire tread pealing off face of tire (the part that touches the road surface) and exposing the under layers of tire rubber and internal tread shapes Almost like outside and inside tread layers separated Not sure if from road hazard or the two layers separated on their own?
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the air bag warning light would illuminate while leaning on the passenger’s side front door. The contact stated that the warning light would turn off once the passenger moved away from the door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
This issue is with the start-stop system. The car fails to restart after it the car stops and the engine shuts off. The car has been serviced twice for this issue. The battery and a cable were replaced at my expense. This resolved the issue for a few months, but it returned again in February of 2022. The battery was replaced under warrantee at that time. This issue has now returned again Jul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
This issue is with the start-stop system. The car fails to restart after it the car stops and the engine shuts off. The car has been serviced twice for this issue. The battery and a cable were replaced at my expense. This resolved the issue for a few months, but it returned again in February of 2022. The battery was replaced under warrantee at that time. This issue has now returned again Jul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
My car was stopped at a light with idle auto on. The car shut off and switched into neutral with check engines lights on the dash. I was not able to switch the car to drive. I had to restart the car. This has happened twice in 2 weeks at busy intersections. I have brought the car to the dealership but they are unable to replicate. There was no prior warning lamps or signs prior to this happening.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
My car was stopped at a light with idle auto on. The car shut off and switched into neutral with check engines lights on the dash. I was not able to switch the car to drive. I had to restart the car. This has happened twice in 2 weeks at busy intersections. I have brought the car to the dealership but they are unable to replicate. There was no prior warning lamps or signs prior to this happening.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2019
First noted dimming low beam headlights in Oct 2019 with ~80K mileage. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms (visual observation during nighttime driving). I replaced the OEM halogen bulbs with Sylvania SilverStar Ultra higher intensity halogen bulbs, but no discernable improvement in brightness and continued to dim over time. In Jan 2021 with ~93K mileage, I purchased and in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
2017 Acura ILX - Bellanova White Pearl - the paint is peeling off! Please reference MC-10180642-0001, where the same issue was recalled for other colors The paint is peeling off and I'm very frustrated because they didn't include that color on their recall, where clearly the same problem is occurring.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
While highyway driving for 6 hours the “Check system charging” light came on for a few minutes, then went off for 10 or so minutes, then came back on. I was 10 miles from exit. I exited and left the car running while I checked in to motel. Drove to a parking place, turned off car engine, took a bag to room. When I came back out, flames were flaring from under the hood from battery area near fi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
I have had the vehicle since beginning of March and I noticed the transmission slipping. I had the transmission flushed which made the problem not as bad but it was still there. A couple weeks later the transmission started slipping hard again and I had the transmission replaced by the dealer. I take it home and its shifting all over the place and not accelerating. Acura did a reprogram and I pick... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Despite recently replacing bulbs and cleaning my headlights, my low beams are very dim. I do not feel safe driving at night without high beams on because they are so dim. Other Acura’s have had parts recalled for this issue.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
I’m Owner of a Acura model: TXL Year:2022, VIN: [XXX] I send my car after 7 days of purchase to the dealer because the car wasn’t started and all the dash light start blinking. Dealer said that this was not warranty cover because I tint the windshield and this create some humidity on the connector that go to the MICU. I need that you please start looking this issue because in a lot of forums ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
I’m Owner of a Acura model: TXL Year:2022, VIN: [XXX] I send my car after 7 days of purchase to the dealer because the car wasn’t started and all the dash light start blinking. Dealer said that this was not warranty cover because I tint the windshield and this create some humidity on the connector that go to the MICU. I need that you please start looking this issue because in a lot of forums ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
I have had problems with the car stalling or shifting to neutral from drive after the auto stop feature is engaged. This typically happens when the engine tries to restart after having shutoff at the stop. It is difficult to replicate the problem and the dealer can't seem to replicated the problem but it has happened to me many times, particularly in hot weather or after long drives. Typically it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
I have had problems with the car stalling or shifting to neutral from drive after the auto stop feature is engaged. This typically happens when the engine tries to restart after having shutoff at the stop. It is difficult to replicate the problem and the dealer can't seem to replicated the problem but it has happened to me many times, particularly in hot weather or after long drives. Typically it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
I have had problems with the car stalling or shifting to neutral from drive after the auto stop feature is engaged. This typically happens when the engine tries to restart after having shutoff at the stop. It is difficult to replicate the problem and the dealer can't seem to replicated the problem but it has happened to me many times, particularly in hot weather or after long drives. Typically it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Headlights are so dim they are unsafe for driving. Replacing the bulb does not fix. Acura said I need replace both headlight assemblies because the inside of the projector lens is foggy. Cost quoted is $2255.54
Incident date: Feb 1, 2020
The low beam lights have become so dim that it is unsafe to drive the vehicle between dusk and dawn. Visibility is extremely impeded by this issue.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2020
The low beam lights have become so dim that it is unsafe to drive the vehicle between dusk and dawn. Visibility is extremely impeded by this issue.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
While driving vehicle, all power shut off after all lights(airbag, tire, engine, etc. came on the dashboard) not able to start vehicle now at all. Has power but will not run, turn over, stay running, etc. has brand new battery so that’s not the problem no problems until today.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
While driving vehicle, all power shut off after all lights(airbag, tire, engine, etc. came on the dashboard) not able to start vehicle now at all. Has power but will not run, turn over, stay running, etc. has brand new battery so that’s not the problem no problems until today.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
While driving vehicle, all power shut off after all lights(airbag, tire, engine, etc. came on the dashboard) not able to start vehicle now at all. Has power but will not run, turn over, stay running, etc. has brand new battery so that’s not the problem no problems until today.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
I recently purchased a 14 Acura RDX about a month ago not realizing it would almost cost a possible fatality due to its poorly designed headlight. It was day time when I purchased the vehicle so I was not aware I would only be able to see approx 3-4 feet out at night using my low beams. That issue almost got me in a very horrible situation. A few nights ago I was leaving my nieces 5 year old bda... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
I purchased this used car and while driving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assis) light comes on with the accompanying trianlge with exclamation point. When the light comes on while driving the car will tug you to the right. Once you stop the vehicle and turn off and re-start the light will turn off. As you drive again, the light comes on and tugs the vehicle to the right. When we purchased the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
I purchased this used car and while driving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assis) light comes on with the accompanying trianlge with exclamation point. When the light comes on while driving the car will tug you to the right. Once you stop the vehicle and turn off and re-start the light will turn off. As you drive again, the light comes on and tugs the vehicle to the right. When we purchased the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
Low beam Head lights are so dim that is so hard to see the road or people when driving at night.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
This unit had recall for the fuel pump and even after the recall was completed . The car is still doing the same thing . It stalls out I tried to reach out to the manufacturer and nothing has been done ..
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
From the time purchased there has been a hesitation/sputtering during acceleration. I took the car in during the warranty period and they said nothing could be found. It has continued for 6 years. I have read of similar problems with this model and year.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
From the time purchased there has been a hesitation/sputtering during acceleration. I took the car in during the warranty period and they said nothing could be found. It has continued for 6 years. I have read of similar problems with this model and year.