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: Dec 1, 2025
I am experiencing a serious and recurring safety issue involving the engine unexpectedly completely shutting off while the vehicle is being driven and separately, the engine intermittently failing to start after the vehicle has been parked. 1.The engine unexpectedly and spontaneously shuts off when the vehicle is stopped or slowing down, including at stop signs, traffic lights, and during traffic ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I am experiencing a serious and recurring safety issue involving the engine unexpectedly completely shutting off while the vehicle is being driven and separately, the engine intermittently failing to start after the vehicle has been parked. 1.The engine unexpectedly and spontaneously shuts off when the vehicle is stopped or slowing down, including at stop signs, traffic lights, and during traffic ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
Vehicle dashboard lights up with multiple warnings, power loss/limp mode in traffic and while driving. Dealership said it’s a very common problem but Honda refuses to make a recall. Technician says it is most likely caused by faulty fuel pump which is already recall that caused damage to the injectors.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
Vehicle dashboard lights up with multiple warnings, power loss/limp mode in traffic and while driving. Dealership said it’s a very common problem but Honda refuses to make a recall. Technician says it is most likely caused by faulty fuel pump which is already recall that caused damage to the injectors.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
Vehicle dashboard lights up with multiple warnings, power loss/limp mode in traffic and while driving. Dealership said it’s a very common problem but Honda refuses to make a recall. Technician says it is most likely caused by faulty fuel pump which is already recall that caused damage to the injectors.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2026
when turning the steering wheel would momenterily stick. germain honda of college hills said steering motor bad. replaced motor ,but still was sticky,said needed steering rack also. that fixed it for a total of 7500 hundred dollars. complained but have not receive any compansation.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
All of the lights on the dash board go off. I’ve taken the vehicle to the mechanic and they say that there is nothing wrong. Honda just released recall notice for the Honday CR-C 2017 to update the computer, but my vehicle is not included in the recall. I have been dealing with this issue and the dealerships have said that they have rectified the issue but the problem returns. I think they just ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
Emissions system code popping up. Car smells of fasoline
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
Engine failed to restart after AutoStop function engaged at a red light. We were stranded and had to manually restart the car, which took long enough to figure out that we were stranded in traffic for a bit.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
The car is having issues with the idle stop. It started taking longer to restart after a stop and now it turns completely off. It happened today in a traffic light in a big intersection.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
Honda recognized a factory paint adhesion defect and issued a warranty extension 19-057 for a defined VIN population. When I inquired a Honda dealer in 2022, the response was that my vehicle was outside that population. The fact that my car met the year, model, trim, and color criteria, and exhibited exactly the same defect in the same locations. Further, I have learned that other 2016 Pilots out... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
Honda's braking is so sharp and late against standing objects (red light vehicle). Sometimes, even accelerates in visibility area and get scary, if it really going to brake? brakes very sharply, when the car in front of you turns and even out of your way already. I'm just filing this for you to help push the manufacturer to fix with Software upgrade, as I see Hyundai and Toyota's have very smooth... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
Engine bearing rod failure. Even though all engine required service was completed on time and at the official Honda service, engine bearing rod failed requiring costly whole engine replacement.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
I own a 2018 Honda Civic Sedan LX and am experiencing a steering problem where the steering wheel feels sticky and notchy instead of turning smoothly. The problem affects the steering and creates a potential safety concern because it can make the vehicle more difficult to steer smoothly and predictably. I took the vehicle to DCH Kay Honda, an authorized Honda dealership, for inspection. The deale... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2026
The Honda Dealership on 9/03/2026 executed a federal safety recall negligently and punctured my gas tank, creating an immediate fire hazard. The dealership performed the safety recall on 09/03/2026. I went to get my receipt from the lady at the front desk and she handed it to me, no one mentioned anything about what was done to the truck. As soon as I got into the vehicle the tighten gas cap showe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
My 2024 was forcibly entered via breaking glass. Someone inserted an electonic device into the car, then walked away. They used anoter device in their hand, made all the lights flash- engine started and they drove off. Both keys were not in the car, or close by. Doors were locked. See detailed report attached
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The engine started making a faint rattling sound at low rpm , but after 15 miles of driving the noise grew rapidly and something broke in the engine and seized the engine. Currently at a workshop and mechanic said this can't be fixed as engine is damaged and it need a full motor replacement. He also, mentioned it could have been very a serious issue and I could have gotten into a serious acciden... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
I own a 2019 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T. While operating my vehicle, multiple safety-system warnings appeared on the dashboard at the same time. The vehicle displayed “Brake Hold System Problem,” “Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem,” “Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem,” and “Road Departure Mitigation System Problem,” each instructing me to see my dealer. These warnings ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
I own a 2019 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T. While operating my vehicle, multiple safety-system warnings appeared on the dashboard at the same time. The vehicle displayed “Brake Hold System Problem,” “Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem,” “Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem,” and “Road Departure Mitigation System Problem,” each instructing me to see my dealer. These warnings ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
I own a 2019 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T. While operating my vehicle, multiple safety-system warnings appeared on the dashboard at the same time. The vehicle displayed “Brake Hold System Problem,” “Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem,” “Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem,” and “Road Departure Mitigation System Problem,” each instructing me to see my dealer. These warnings ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
The backup camera is useless at night. I think maybe it’s a defective camera but Honda says it’s fine.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
All the warning lights on the dash board started to randomly light up like a Christmas tree while driving to get something to eat. The car began to shake and the steering stiffened up while the brakes were not working well enough to stop completely causing me to turn on the hazards lights to make it back home safely with my child in the car. An OBD-II SENSOR READS P0087. The fear of the car turnin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
All the warning lights on the dash board started to randomly light up like a Christmas tree while driving to get something to eat. The car began to shake and the steering stiffened up while the brakes were not working well enough to stop completely causing me to turn on the hazards lights to make it back home safely with my child in the car. An OBD-II SENSOR READS P0087. The fear of the car turnin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
I started driving at 8am in warm weather and drove 5 minutes or so when I entered the highway and when I started acceleration it stopped increasing beyond 40 miles and the speed started reducing while engine light came on and started flashing, I slowly exited the highway right away, entered a parking lot and shut the car off. I restarted after a few minutes and started driving again and it drove ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
I started driving at 8am in warm weather and drove 5 minutes or so when I entered the highway and when I started acceleration it stopped increasing beyond 40 miles and the speed started reducing while engine light came on and started flashing, I slowly exited the highway right away, entered a parking lot and shut the car off. I restarted after a few minutes and started driving again and it drove ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
I started driving at 8am in warm weather and drove 5 minutes or so when I entered the highway and when I started acceleration it stopped increasing beyond 40 miles and the speed started reducing while engine light came on and started flashing, I slowly exited the highway right away, entered a parking lot and shut the car off. I restarted after a few minutes and started driving again and it drove ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
Car was overheating while driving. Received warning signs on the dash to pull over and turn car off immediately. Which I did. Very dangerous to do, especially with my three year old on a 90° summer day. I felt fear for my life while waiting on the side of a busy road during rush hour for the engine to cool and figure out what to do. Here the head gasket blew. A defect in the engine that Honda kno... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Car completely shut down with every warning light going off. Before 95,000 the head gasket blew with zero warning signs! All the warning lamps came on only the day the car totally stopped working. No prior warning or signs before.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Car completely shut down with every warning light going off. Before 95,000 the head gasket blew with zero warning signs! All the warning lamps came on only the day the car totally stopped working. No prior warning or signs before.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Car completely shut down with every warning light going off. Before 95,000 the head gasket blew with zero warning signs! All the warning lamps came on only the day the car totally stopped working. No prior warning or signs before.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
I am experiencing a sudden and total failure of the front windshield-mounted camera sensor on my 2020 Honda Passport. Without warning, the vehicle's dashboard displays a cascade of simultaneous critical system errors as documented in my attachments. When this camera fails, it completely disables the entire Honda Sensing safety suite. The vehicle abruptly loses critical crash-avoidance features, i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
I am experiencing a sudden and total failure of the front windshield-mounted camera sensor on my 2020 Honda Passport. Without warning, the vehicle's dashboard displays a cascade of simultaneous critical system errors as documented in my attachments. When this camera fails, it completely disables the entire Honda Sensing safety suite. The vehicle abruptly loses critical crash-avoidance features, i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
I am experiencing a sudden and total failure of the front windshield-mounted camera sensor on my 2020 Honda Passport. Without warning, the vehicle's dashboard displays a cascade of simultaneous critical system errors as documented in my attachments. When this camera fails, it completely disables the entire Honda Sensing safety suite. The vehicle abruptly loses critical crash-avoidance features, i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
Exploding SunRoof: I was driving on the east bound 2020 freeway about 65 mph. There were no taller cars or trucks around, no overpass. All of a sudden there as a huge bang. The glass of the sunroof had exploded. It has not been used in 2 years. I cannot think of anything that could have caused it. I have only opened the sunroof once back in 2024 when I got the vehicle just to see what it was... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
Vehicle restarted itself at a traffic stop to. Vehicle stalled at another traffic stop. Both occurred on the same single day drive.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
It started with multiple lights glowing on my dash. Then progressively the car felt sluggish and ultimately while driving to church in July the car cut off while I was making a turn. Some kind gentleman pushed my car helping me get out the intersection.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
It started with multiple lights glowing on my dash. Then progressively the car felt sluggish and ultimately while driving to church in July the car cut off while I was making a turn. Some kind gentleman pushed my car helping me get out the intersection.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
It started with multiple lights glowing on my dash. Then progressively the car felt sluggish and ultimately while driving to church in July the car cut off while I was making a turn. Some kind gentleman pushed my car helping me get out the intersection.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
There is significant rust on the frame and undercarriage of the vehicle. There has been no actual safety concerns yet, but it may lead to severe issues if unaddressed. It has since an active recall exists for the corrosion of the rear subframe. A specific rust-related inspection is on hold until I receive further direction from the dealership I purchased the vehicle from.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to operate as needed on several occasions. The contact stated that occasionally there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the fail... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2026
The engine started throwing emissions codes and running rough about 6 mo ago but it was very sporadic and always cleared on their own. However on 8/23 my husband was driving it, all the lights started coming on and it froze up and died while he was driving it. We had taken it to the shop where they confirmed that the whole engine was dead that its a known problem with these years pilots and would ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
While I am driving there is a stickiness in my steering wheel and it causes me to overcorrect my steering and becomes an issue. Feels dangerous to me. This has gotten worse over time.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Sticky steering especially at highway speeds and when air temp in hot. Stickiness is now apparent at slower speeds in hot wx. Current Recall is only for 2023-2025. This CRV is 2018. Problem has been apparent for over a year. Local dealer could not replicate issue on two occasions when car was in Honda dealership.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
The vehicle suffered an Auto Idle Stop failure at a red light. The engine shut down normally, but failed to automatically restart when the brake was released. There were no dashboard warning lights, and I was forced to manually shift the vehicle into Park to restart the engine in active traffic.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
The vehicle suffered an Auto Idle Stop failure at a red light. The engine shut down normally, but failed to automatically restart when the brake was released. There were no dashboard warning lights, and I was forced to manually shift the vehicle into Park to restart the engine in active traffic.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
The vehicle suffered an Auto Idle Stop failure at a red light. The engine shut down normally, but failed to automatically restart when the brake was released. There were no dashboard warning lights, and I was forced to manually shift the vehicle into Park to restart the engine in active traffic.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
Rod bearing failure, diagnosed by Honda Service. At a stop light, vehicle starting making very loud noises (video proof). I pulled over right away and had it towed to not risk an accident or more damage. Honda(same place that the vehicle was purchased at did most preventive maintenance) diagnosis: "Engine Major Miscellaneous | rod bearing failure. removed timing covers and confirmed t belt is ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole and the driver's- and passenger's-side curtain airbags deployed. The air bags deployment frightened the contact’s wife, and the steering wheel was jerked, and the vehicle crashed into the concrete median. The contact stated that the front driver's side tire was fl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 3, 2026
While my 2026 Honda Odyssey was parked and stationary, I operated the driver-side power sliding door normally. The door began opening but became stuck. When I activated the power sliding door again, there was a sudden mechanical failure involving the sliding-door mechanism. The sliding-door rail was severely damaged/deformed, the mechanism appeared to disengage from its normal track/rail path, and... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2026
While my 2026 Honda Odyssey was parked and stationary, I operated the driver-side power sliding door normally. The door began opening but became stuck. When I activated the power sliding door again, there was a sudden mechanical failure involving the sliding-door mechanism. The sliding-door rail was severely damaged/deformed, the mechanism appeared to disengage from its normal track/rail path, and... Read more