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: Feb 28, 2021
OEM Chrome on door handles is a thick metallic wrap over plastic. Over time the chrome wrap delaminated on 3 out 4 handles. This results in very sharp metal edge that presents a laceration hazard. Just wanted to share this in case others have this issue. It's not a serious issue but it definitely is unsafe and it might be good to warn others.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
Our 2015 Acura RDX started experiencing diminished lighting on low beam around 75000. We are currently at about 95000 and lighting is nearly nonexistent. In order to see the road at night, the lights must be on high beam. I discussed this issue with my local Acura service center and they advised that the only fix is to replace the entire headlamp at a cost of about $800 per light. Our car is a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving out a gas station, the steering wheel became firm, with an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
There is an open recall on the engine of my vehicle 2015 Kia Optima. The engine is giving problems and has been at the local dealership since December 1st, 2022. They stated they will not fix it because the vehicle has a salvage title. According to the information we have obtained this doesn't null the recall repairs on the vehicle. Please advise.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the exterior lighting system failed to operate as designed and malfunctioned. The contact stated that when he depressed the brake pedal, the brake light failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module software was updated; however, the traction control system fai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
Engine seized while I was driving
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
My car started cutting off while driving no warning lights on. I had a diagnostic test done and they didn’t find anything wrong. I’m so confused about what’s going on with this car but it’s very dangerous to drive on the highway. I have had three service checks on my car and it still cuts off in the middle of traffic. I had my brakes and rotors replaced because everytime I hit a pot hole o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
My car started cutting off while driving no warning lights on. I had a diagnostic test done and they didn’t find anything wrong. I’m so confused about what’s going on with this car but it’s very dangerous to drive on the highway. I have had three service checks on my car and it still cuts off in the middle of traffic. I had my brakes and rotors replaced because everytime I hit a pot hole o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
Engine locked up while driving. It just stalled when in motion. Now the engine will not turn over. Mechanic says it has to be replaced.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
My side detection system has failed and not working on my 2015 ltz. Blind spot light stays on even when car is off. It’s causing other lights going crazy on and off. No check engine light on just the side blind spot indicator lights stay on. My car only has 70k miles it’s been happening for 1 wk I’m afraid to drive it after reading online that a clients impala nearly caught on fire. I’m r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
2016 BMW X5. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEF TRANSFER PUMP REPAIR.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
The contact’s son owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and the engine misfired. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Hi, I have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma, the chassis is rusty and has holes in it. I went to complain at Toyota, they said the car didn't have a Recall but neither the first owner nor I had news that I would have to change the car's frame. I would like help to resolve this. all parts under the car are very rusty
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Hi, I have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma, the chassis is rusty and has holes in it. I went to complain at Toyota, they said the car didn't have a Recall but neither the first owner nor I had news that I would have to change the car's frame. I would like help to resolve this. all parts under the car are very rusty
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Passenger side front windshield trim flew off the car while driving on the freeway.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
Took our vehicle in for regularly scheduled maintenance - oil change and tire rotation. Received a call from the dealership stating that when they removed the left rear tire the axle retainer bolt was broken and fell out. The service technician phoned to let us know that this needs to be fixed and would have to order parts. Also informed us that there is CSP BULLETIN 22B34 issued on February 14... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
I was driving on the freeway at about 75 MPH. I wanted to pass another car, so I pressed the accelerator petal to 100% (floored it) and took my foot off the petal immediately because I changed my mind. Roughly 1 to 2 seconds after the inputs, the engine rev'd up to about 3000 rpm, and then changed gears, jerking my truck so violently I could have lost control. I was able to get the behavior to ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
I was in a head on collision with another car. None of my airbags deployed. The fire department and police department were concerned and shocked that they did not deploy. They cut the wiring to the battery for fear it would deploy late and I was injured in the car with a firefighter holding my neck. My car was a total loss.
Crash
6 injured
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
On December 29, 2022, the heater unit in the car failed. This caused ice to form on the inside of the car, all windows. Winter in Chicago. Dealer said they are aware of other Tacans having this came issue but there are no parts available and could be 4 to 6 weeks for parts. it is now February 15th and still no parts and the car is unsafe to drive as you can not see out of the windows. If you look ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2022
The "traffic aware" cruise control automatically slows the car when entering a portion of highway with a reduced speed limit. Sounds good in theory and Tesla says this is intentional and cannot be modified in settings. However, suddenly slowing down from 65 mph to 45 mph when all traffic PERSISTS at 65 mph could lead to rear end collisions or loss of control.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V140000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not mad... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
My check engine light was on when I was driving on the highway. I was terrified that something was very wrong. Right after, I took the car to the dealer and was told that the valve for the crankcase ventilation. The actuator was blocked. I was also told that this is not caused by something I did. It's the design of the car that caused the problem.
Incident date: May 13, 2022
Transmission Control Module went out on my 2014 Ford Focus that I had just purchased March of 2022. The vehicle had only 40,000 miles wen the TCM went out and luckily it happened while I was in my driveway. I had the car towed to Owen Ford in Jarratt , VA. Of course, we had to wait for the part to come in which took a few months. At first we were told that we would have to pay for the TCM and ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked, and the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The truck stalled at a intersection and applied the emergency brake. This seems like a common problem with the torque engine.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle overheated and stalled. The engine misfire warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown, and that antifreeze was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provid... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
2019 MERCEDES BENZ. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED ENGINE LIGHT.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM: vehicle hesitates at times when stepping on gas pedal and then just blasts off. When entering a roundabout after a standstill, the power is not there, oncoming traffic is still advancing. First reported and assesssed on 5/19/20 with software update performed. Issue has never been resolved completely. No warning lamps or messages ever appeared.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Once again, 3 weeks after the first time it happened, my 2019 ACURA RDX lost ALL power and I had to drift to the side of the road. This occurred on the Baldwin Beach Express and luckily there is not a lot of traffic this time of year so I could get on the shoulder. Car would not restart, all lights around the speedometer had come on. I had to have it towed to the Acura dealership in Mobile where i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Heater core big problem on 2015 vw passat Early models from 2012 to 2014 have a recall on heater core, and they have extended warranty. But problem still occurs on 2015 models, but still no recall or covered warranty, big problem and constantly Heater core broking
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Windshield wiper motor has been recalled with no "quick or timely" solution I ask ford to provide a rental car until repair can be completed or buy back the truck. I tried to take to a Ford dealership but they keep saying there is no parts. Which I understand buy in the meantime I need a working car due to my work I can't have any active recalls.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Electric car that does not hold power. Ad says full charge can get you to 220 mi, however i can barely get 170 mi of full charge.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
My 2016 gmc Sierra transmission going out again first time locked up and researched everyone I know that owns gmc says they have same issue replaced front drive train busted also and noticed the weld on the frame around steering box and frame has one weld pass very thin rusting away already I've done replaced engine front diff fuel pump now airbag warning keeps going off and my radio has securit... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
My 2018 Jeep Compass started out having minor issues that I just blew off at first. First thing I noticed after purchasing it new was the cruise control wouldn't allow me to set speed. It only happened randomly, now its every other time the jeep starts up. Then my back up camera started going black. It worked more times than not. Well, time goes by and now the whole touch screen is black, or white... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2020
I bought the Subaru Outback new Jan. 31, 2020. In those 3 years, I have had 3 windshield cracks from flying rocks resulting in 2-3 ft. long cracks extending across the windshield. The latest one happened Jan. 31, 2023, and the previous cracked windshield was replaced less than six weeks earlier on Dec. 22, 2022. While the first two incidents occurred on an interstate at high speed, the most recent... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
i was driving down the freeway on the way to work at 75 mph when all of a sudden my EPC went off in my 2013 volkswagon gti my entire car shut down (manual transmission) i lost all steering ability while on the freeway going 75 mph i couldn't get over to the shoulder due to loss of brakes due to entire car shutting down .i was almost smashed by a semi due to inability to steer my vehicle to total ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
i was driving down the freeway on the way to work at 75 mph when all of a sudden my EPC went off in my 2013 volkswagon gti my entire car shut down (manual transmission) i lost all steering ability while on the freeway going 75 mph i couldn't get over to the shoulder due to loss of brakes due to entire car shutting down .i was almost smashed by a semi due to inability to steer my vehicle to total ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
at any speed the Explorer would go into "limp Mode"....NO THROTTLE...Terrian Management Error would appear and the wrench sign,,,,,dash lights and terrain knob light would go off....at highway speeds, with no warning, this could be a deadly situation.....taken to our local Ford dealership.....they had no idea what happened....COULD DO NOTHING...after some research we decided to have them replace t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
The Blindspot system, cross tragic system, airbags, and climate control all were disabled intermittently. Climate control disabled allowed my windows to fog up impairing visibility which posed immediate danger of collisions. I read an online forum and found that my tail light had water in it which created a short to all those systems.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Mustang. The contact stated upon servicing the vehicle, the dealer informed her that the outer shell of the lug nuts was swollen, hindering the replacement of tires. The dealer replaced all 16 lug nuts. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 54,136.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The latch around the front passenger tire was off when I bought the car and findley Toyota would not fix it and stated every time I wen in that there was a rattle on the front passsenger tire. They knew there was a problem and they wouldn't fix it and told me that it wouddl cast me $2,500
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
was going to work on rt 80 east had cruise control on and was getting off exit 45 in new jersey to get bus into manhattan at approx 430 amwhile getting off highway stepped on brakes pedal went to floor tried pumping nothing happened nor did criuise control disengage or collision warning come on a total collapse of system had this car for approx 1 month purchased used at paramus mercedes benz took... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
Already had turbo go on this car once back in July 2022. Mechanic replaced turbo with another one (used with 20,000 miles on it) due to the turbo for this car being on backorder. Now my car is throwing P0299 after about 20,000 more miles being put on the used turbo and a P0420 code. Changed rear catalytic. Changed upstream O2 sensor, changed wastegate solenoid, turbo seems to be working fine, no n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
I was Driving down the HighWay at 70 MPH and the Vehicle is “Jerking” like I am Breaking then proceeded to fail to Accelerate and keep up with my RPMS.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
When vehicles comes to a stop or a slow roll. It makes a loud humming sound and cuts off in drive. The lights starts flickering ans The check engine flashes on at that time. Received a ecm code.I have to place in park and restart. Happens 70% of the time in drive and other times in reverse or park. Cruise control would not turn on. If on will not turn off with buttons
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
When vehicles comes to a stop or a slow roll. It makes a loud humming sound and cuts off in drive. The lights starts flickering ans The check engine flashes on at that time. Received a ecm code.I have to place in park and restart. Happens 70% of the time in drive and other times in reverse or park. Cruise control would not turn on. If on will not turn off with buttons
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
My vehicle is just over 80k miles and has received regular maintenance services. Inspection available upon request. My engine would rattle during idle, stopped at a light, and sounded as if the RPM were increasing. I would have to turn my car off then back on for it to stop. No engine or warning lights. As this became more frequent, I also noticed a very intense shaking coming from the front passe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty, and that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The ma... Read more
ACURA
INTEGRA
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Feb 3, 2023
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty, and that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The ma... Read more