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 125,830 complaints for HONDA
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's head gasket has been identified as needing replacement. The Honda dealership inspected the vehicle on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and confirmed that a new head gasket is needed. The vehicle and the failed component should be available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
When driving at faster speeds on the highway, the steering gets kind of sticky - it sticks, then when you slightly move it - it jerks to over correct. I have talked to a few people, and they think it's a mechanical issue with the Electronic Power Steering, EPS, rack. The people I mentioned said its a widely documented defect, and Honda should do a recall to fix the issue - but I ran the search a... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The vehicle's infotainment system displays an OTA software update error mmessage on every startup. Honda dealerships are unable to address this issue without further intervention and software updates from Honda corporate. Dealer has stated that this issue may interfere with reliable over-the-air software updates, including any potential safety-related updates delivered through this OTA system.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
Starter issue both during idle start/stop mode and going from off to on. Owned for about 20mos and happened first maybe 6mos ago and has happened a dozen times since then. So dangerous! We have had idle start freeze at a green light and are worried we’ll get hit. Sister in law has the same problem with hers. This needs to be fixed immediately!
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
Starter issue both during idle start/stop mode and going from off to on. Owned for about 20mos and happened first maybe 6mos ago and has happened a dozen times since then. So dangerous! We have had idle start freeze at a green light and are worried we’ll get hit. Sister in law has the same problem with hers. This needs to be fixed immediately!
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
At a stop light and in traffic several times the vehicle has failed to restart when stopping for the idle start/stop. The vehicle will not immediately restart and takes several minutes, leaving me idle in the middle of traffic. The vehicle has been to the dealership several times for repair however I'm still experiencing this issue. This is a serious safety concern for my family.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
the right rear seat safety belt warning keeps going off as if the passenger does not have the seat belt fastened although they do have it fastened.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
Tachometer is starting to surging idle. Getting a wave of errors lights and messages. It’s also a known problem on the 2019 of the same model and it has a recall. I received the same code from an auto repair shop. Service Bulletin 21-010
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
Tachometer is starting to surging idle. Getting a wave of errors lights and messages. It’s also a known problem on the 2019 of the same model and it has a recall. I received the same code from an auto repair shop. Service Bulletin 21-010
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
Tachometer is starting to surging idle. Getting a wave of errors lights and messages. It’s also a known problem on the 2019 of the same model and it has a recall. I received the same code from an auto repair shop. Service Bulletin 21-010
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
The vehicle has experienced repeated A/C refrigerant leaks. In March 2026, a Honda dealer replaced the condenser and compressor shaft seal under warranty. Several months later, the A/C again gradually lost cooling. The dealer diagnosed leaks from the evaporator, expansion valve, and two Schrader valves. The dealer quoted about $2,800 for parts and labor, including dashboard removal to access the e... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
My 2024 Honda Prologue (VIN [XXX]) produces a loud clicking/knocking noise from the front drive axles when turning, most noticeable during low-speed turns and when accelerating out of a turn. The noise began shortly after I acquired the vehicle at low mileage, consistent with the widely reported front CV joint/axle defect affecting 2024-2026 Prologues. This is a safety concern, not merely a noise.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
My 2024 Honda Prologue (VIN [XXX]) produces a loud clicking/knocking noise from the front drive axles when turning, most noticeable during low-speed turns and when accelerating out of a turn. The noise began shortly after I acquired the vehicle at low mileage, consistent with the widely reported front CV joint/axle defect affecting 2024-2026 Prologues. This is a safety concern, not merely a noise.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
My 2024 Honda Prologue (VIN [XXX]) produces a loud clicking/knocking noise from the front drive axles when turning, most noticeable during low-speed turns and when accelerating out of a turn. The noise began shortly after I acquired the vehicle at low mileage, consistent with the widely reported front CV joint/axle defect affecting 2024-2026 Prologues. This is a safety concern, not merely a noise.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
Seems like due to the auto idle, it makes the engine idle so low that it dies- my car died in middle of the road- the first time, I had it jumped, and mechanic said it was a fluke, second time, despite the testing not showing any issue, he said we can try to replace the battery, so we did, but 6 weeks later my car died, and it took 5 attempts to get it to restart with the external battery pack! ea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
Seems like due to the auto idle, it makes the engine idle so low that it dies- my car died in middle of the road- the first time, I had it jumped, and mechanic said it was a fluke, second time, despite the testing not showing any issue, he said we can try to replace the battery, so we did, but 6 weeks later my car died, and it took 5 attempts to get it to restart with the external battery pack! ea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
Seems like due to the auto idle, it makes the engine idle so low that it dies- my car died in middle of the road- the first time, I had it jumped, and mechanic said it was a fluke, second time, despite the testing not showing any issue, he said we can try to replace the battery, so we did, but 6 weeks later my car died, and it took 5 attempts to get it to restart with the external battery pack! ea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V intermittently sticks around the center position. When making small steering corrections, the steering wheel does not move smoothly and requires additional force to move past the center position. This creates difficulty making precise steering corrections and is a safety concern, particularly at highway speeds. I am concerned about a potential steering gearbox/EP... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
Smells gas while driving.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
When stopping with the auto idle stop system engaged, the vehicle failed to auto restart after letting off the brake pedal. This has happened three times with the last two occurrence less than a week apart. The first two times I was in a queue at a stop light and was able to shift into park and manually restart the car and proceed on the road without further incident. The third time in particu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
I sometimes get a reduced engine power shutter grill problems
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2021 Honda Pilot equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. The vehicle has approximately 77,000 miles. The vehicle developed an engine rattling noise followed by complete engine failure and loss of motive power. I had the vehicle transported to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnosis. Following inspection and engine teardown, the Honda deale... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
On 17 July 2026, I was attempting to park in a handicap parking place at May Washington Hospital Center. The outdoor parking lot is to the right of the hospital entrance and consists of several terraced rows with each terrace a few feet below the one above it. I was halfway into the parking space with my foot on the brake when the car (2024 CRV Hybrid Touring) suddenly accelerated. I pushed the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
On 17 July 2026, I was attempting to park in a handicap parking place at May Washington Hospital Center. The outdoor parking lot is to the right of the hospital entrance and consists of several terraced rows with each terrace a few feet below the one above it. I was halfway into the parking space with my foot on the brake when the car (2024 CRV Hybrid Touring) suddenly accelerated. I pushed the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
On 17 July 2026, I was attempting to park in a handicap parking place at May Washington Hospital Center. The outdoor parking lot is to the right of the hospital entrance and consists of several terraced rows with each terrace a few feet below the one above it. I was halfway into the parking space with my foot on the brake when the car (2024 CRV Hybrid Touring) suddenly accelerated. I pushed the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
While stopped at a red light or intersection, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop feature engages and shuts off the engine as designed. However, on multiple occasions, the engine has failed to automatically restart when the brake pedal is released. The vehicle remains stalled and unresponsive in the middle of the intersection or traffic lane, creating a safety risk to myself and other drivers, particular... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
While stopped at a red light or intersection, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop feature engages and shuts off the engine as designed. However, on multiple occasions, the engine has failed to automatically restart when the brake pedal is released. The vehicle remains stalled and unresponsive in the middle of the intersection or traffic lane, creating a safety risk to myself and other drivers, particular... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
While stopped at a red light or intersection, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop feature engages and shuts off the engine as designed. However, on multiple occasions, the engine has failed to automatically restart when the brake pedal is released. The vehicle remains stalled and unresponsive in the middle of the intersection or traffic lane, creating a safety risk to myself and other drivers, particular... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The 2019 Honda HRV with low miles of around 44,000 miles experienced a series of warning alerts on the dash board consisting of the following list of five problems: Road Departure Mitigation System Problem; Auto High-Beam Problem; Adaptive Cruise Control Problem ACC; Lane Keeping Assist Problem LKAS; and Collision Mitigation System Problem. This started with warm weather at the end of July 2026 a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The 2019 Honda HRV with low miles of around 44,000 miles experienced a series of warning alerts on the dash board consisting of the following list of five problems: Road Departure Mitigation System Problem; Auto High-Beam Problem; Adaptive Cruise Control Problem ACC; Lane Keeping Assist Problem LKAS; and Collision Mitigation System Problem. This started with warm weather at the end of July 2026 a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The 2019 Honda HRV with low miles of around 44,000 miles experienced a series of warning alerts on the dash board consisting of the following list of five problems: Road Departure Mitigation System Problem; Auto High-Beam Problem; Adaptive Cruise Control Problem ACC; Lane Keeping Assist Problem LKAS; and Collision Mitigation System Problem. This started with warm weather at the end of July 2026 a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
The entertainment system shuts down and repeatedly restarts during driving. When it shuts down, an error screen states "Network Communication Lost" and "MOST NET OFF". When it shuts down, the rearview camera function fails when the vehicle is in the reverse gear. Using today's date. This failure has occurred repeatedly. The NHTSA Recall Number: 23V-431 does not include this VIN; however, the f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
The entertainment system shuts down and repeatedly restarts during driving. When it shuts down, an error screen states "Network Communication Lost" and "MOST NET OFF". When it shuts down, the rearview camera function fails when the vehicle is in the reverse gear. Using today's date. This failure has occurred repeatedly. The NHTSA Recall Number: 23V-431 does not include this VIN; however, the f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 149,010 and at the time of checking a Carfax report, it was discovered that the last mileage on the vehicle was 284,000.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Sudden loss of motive power while driving due to a complete CVT failure (creating a dangerous traffic hazard), and Honda Corporate's refusal of assistance.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
when trying to accelerate car is yanking very bad seems like it is a very bad shutter or something with the transmission there is also a very bad squeak when you drive under the car
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
when trying to accelerate car is yanking very bad seems like it is a very bad shutter or something with the transmission there is also a very bad squeak when you drive under the car
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2007 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that there was corrosion and frame rust on the vehicle caused by road salt and moisture, which caused the rear of the vehicle to collapse. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The dealer was contacted and referred the contact back to the dealer who repaired the vehicle under the recall. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The mechanical backup keys on my "key fobs" do not work. When the key fob battery failed on 8/12/26 due to a dead key fob 2032 battery or a loose connection in the fob, I was locked out of my car with no ability to unlock the car. This happened in a garage, however it could happen again on the road or a highway and I would be left stranded with no way to get into my vehicle. When I was able to g... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The mechanical backup keys on my "key fobs" do not work. When the key fob battery failed on 8/12/26 due to a dead key fob 2032 battery or a loose connection in the fob, I was locked out of my car with no ability to unlock the car. This happened in a garage, however it could happen again on the road or a highway and I would be left stranded with no way to get into my vehicle. When I was able to g... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
The car has failed to start on numerous occasions. The car has stalled due to the auto start/stop and the dealership told me that the battery needs to fail testing in order to replace under warranty. This is a major safety risk and the dealership said it’s a known issue but they can’t fix it. A recall needs to be put out immediately.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
The car has failed to start on numerous occasions. The car has stalled due to the auto start/stop and the dealership told me that the battery needs to fail testing in order to replace under warranty. This is a major safety risk and the dealership said it’s a known issue but they can’t fix it. A recall needs to be put out immediately.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and placing a child inside the safety seat, the rear passenger’s side seat belt was loose, and the locking mechanism failed to perform normally and became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey with Vredestein Tires, Tire Line: Quatrac Pro Plus, Tire Size: 235/60/R18, DOT Number: 023 45E427 1425. The contact stated that the side wall on the front passenger tire had begun to form bubbles. The tire distributor was notified of the failure, and the tire was replaced however shortly after having the new tire replaced with the front driver's side, and the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2026
The CRF1100 2020 DCT stalls when trying to take off form a complete stop. It happens most often at traffic lights and has already lead to dangerous situations with cars behind you expecting you to go but you stall. This bike is not supposed to stall and since it only happens on occasion (so far perhaps around 20 times), yesterday's ride it happened 3 times. It is hard to rely on the bike behaving ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
The hybrid fan died after 23k miles of use and put the car into limp mode on the highway, the lane departure system frequently does not work, and the car has never come to close to the estimated MPG.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
The hybrid fan died after 23k miles of use and put the car into limp mode on the highway, the lane departure system frequently does not work, and the car has never come to close to the estimated MPG.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
I was driving on hwy when I had to do a hard stop because traffic stopped suddenly in front of my vehicle, no physical contact was made to any cars in front or back of me, suddenly dark smoke started coming from under the hood of car, The car started stalling in middle of the hwy I got out safely opened hood and seen engine area was on fire another person in a vehicle pulled over came out with a f... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
I was driving on hwy when I had to do a hard stop because traffic stopped suddenly in front of my vehicle, no physical contact was made to any cars in front or back of me, suddenly dark smoke started coming from under the hood of car, The car started stalling in middle of the hwy I got out safely opened hood and seen engine area was on fire another person in a vehicle pulled over came out with a f... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
I was driving on hwy when I had to do a hard stop because traffic stopped suddenly in front of my vehicle, no physical contact was made to any cars in front or back of me, suddenly dark smoke started coming from under the hood of car, The car started stalling in middle of the hwy I got out safely opened hood and seen engine area was on fire another person in a vehicle pulled over came out with a f... Read more
Fire