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 18,739 complaints for LINCOLN
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
My vehicle’s camera system, including the backup camera, is experiencing an issue where the passenger-side camera fails to display properly, showing only a blank black area. I have reported this issue to my dealership for future inspection. It is not yet clear whether the problem persists during daylight hours; however, it poses a significant safety risk at night when visibility is already limit... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
My vehicle’s camera system, including the backup camera, is experiencing an issue where the passenger-side camera fails to display properly, showing only a blank black area. I have reported this issue to my dealership for future inspection. It is not yet clear whether the problem persists during daylight hours; however, it poses a significant safety risk at night when visibility is already limit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
I have an ongoing safety concern on my vehicle, seemingly having to do with the brakes or ABS malfunction. There is a delay in the breaking of the vehicle occasionally in specific circumstances. Typically in a parking lot or stop sign, if there is a buckling of the road or potholes or uneven surfaces between the tires, the vehicle will skid over the surfaces and braking is delayed. Events have ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Transmission has to be replaced due to transmission slipping and delayed shifting under heat and prolonged highway driving. This issue also causes SUDDEN hard shifting, hard breaking, shaking of the steering wheel, along with grinding of gears!! This is a safety issue to to no warning signs at all along with a sudden drop in speed and power!! While driving on the interstate or highway this sudden... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Upon starting the vehicle around 7p on Friday, 10/31/25, the following errors flooded the screen: Hill start assist not available Service advancetrac 4WD Malfunction service required Pre-collision assist not available Rear sense breaking not available Additionally, cruise control could not be turned on and utilized. There was no incident to trigger these. The car had been sitting parked and off f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Upon starting the vehicle around 7p on Friday, 10/31/25, the following errors flooded the screen: Hill start assist not available Service advancetrac 4WD Malfunction service required Pre-collision assist not available Rear sense breaking not available Additionally, cruise control could not be turned on and utilized. There was no incident to trigger these. The car had been sitting parked and off f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
While going 80mph on the highway at 2:00am on or around 10/6/2023, my power braking system went out without warning. I was able to get it off the road and to a shop where they told me it was the vacuum pump and cam shaft. Repair took a week. 7 months later on 5/31/2024, it went out again, luckily in town going 35mph, and involved the vacuum pump, cam shaft, and this time the oil pump as well. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
The drive indicator suddenly started flashing, the red wrench light came on, the check engine light came on. I pulled over a little on the road and put the jeep in park. I was unable to move the vehicle. It would not come out of gear. I had to turn the jeep off. Then restarted it and was able to get it into gear however the check engine light remained on.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
Okay let me first start by saying I have had problem after problem with this car in less than a year. I’ve had to replace my purge valve. The transmission on this car is horrible. I had my car less than a year and at not even 70k miles I had to get my transmission replaced because the car would stutter between 25-45mph thankfully my warranty covered everything. Now let’s get to my current issu... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, he observed a "reduced engine power " message appear and the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road, where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart immediately, but it restarted 45 minutes la... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
For the first 39 months of my ownership my 2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring plug-in electric hybrid would not charge properly and resulted in thousands of charge station fault alerts. The dealership was dismissive of the issue for years because it seemed to work for the few minutes when they charged it on their high voltage charger even though I voiced concerns about the charger port being bad ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
For the first 39 months of my ownership my 2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring plug-in electric hybrid would not charge properly and resulted in thousands of charge station fault alerts. The dealership was dismissive of the issue for years because it seemed to work for the few minutes when they charged it on their high voltage charger even though I voiced concerns about the charger port being bad ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver's side B Pillar center region of the other vehicle. The air bags did deploy, which the contact held responsible for the injuries she sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The "auto" mode on my Sync screen on my 2021 Lincoln Aviator does not always automatically switch between day and night based on ambient light levels. This is a blinding experience at night when the screen doesn't switch to night mode and the brightness is intense. This blinding screen makes it hard to see outside when it is dark which could lead to an accident. My dealer says I have the most u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The "auto" mode on my Sync screen on my 2021 Lincoln Aviator does not always automatically switch between day and night based on ambient light levels. This is a blinding experience at night when the screen doesn't switch to night mode and the brightness is intense. This blinding screen makes it hard to see outside when it is dark which could lead to an accident. My dealer says I have the most u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Observed repeatedly while operating at highway/interstate cruising speed, with adaptive cruise engaged: any changes in road texture - concrete to blacktop, between different types of blacktop or concrete, separation joints, etc - such as when crossing a bridge, crossing state lines, entering open-road toll plazas, etc - results in a sharp lifting of the throttle and at times will also automatical... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Rear camera requires replacement approx. every 3 years Images start getting reversed or upside down, then very grainy and then the camera completely fails altogether. When the camera fails you get a warning stating " Camera is unavailable please contact the dealership" I have put 2 cameras in the vehicle, both were Motorcraft parts purchased at the dealership. When I purchased the vehicle the deal... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Rear camera requires replacement approx. every 3 years Images start getting reversed or upside down, then very grainy and then the camera completely fails altogether. When the camera fails you get a warning stating " Camera is unavailable please contact the dealership" I have put 2 cameras in the vehicle, both were Motorcraft parts purchased at the dealership. When I purchased the vehicle the deal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My transmission started to make a rumbling sound intermittently while I was on the highway. It happened during normal highway speed and not dependent on acceleration or deceleration. I brought it to the dealership with 84,000 miles and they dropped the transmission pan. No metal found in the fluid. The issue was with the torque converter. I had my oil changed 1.5 weeks prior with a 21 point inspe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
When I start the car it informs me that my seat belt is not being worn. Even though it is. Then a message appears on my dash that says "Srs airbag system malfunction visit your dealer" My family's safety is at risk if ever involved in a accident with no airbag deployment.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
I [XXX] and I am the owner of a 2020 Lincoln Corsair (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle is under a recall for the backup camera and wiring harness that affects the visibility of the rear-view image. When I contacted my local Lincoln dealership, they informed me that the recall parts are unavailable and that the earliest possible repair appointment is not until March 2026. I purchased the vehicle in Octo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The vaccum pump for the braking system exploded in the cam shaft. Check system brake assist came up on the dash. The power brakes were non operational making it incredibly difficult to stop and increasing the distance by at least double. This is a 'known' issue with chevrolet but they have chosen NOT to issue a recall.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Internal abs malfunction, diagnostic code c220-49 vehichle is available for inspection upon request, abs module is a major safety risk as it highly increases the chance of an mva due to a brake system failure endangering many other drivers as these pickups are very common, problem has been confirmed by dealer, dealer told me that they are aware of many other vehicles with the same diagnostic code ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Sunroof part behind the windshield came off due to the bond adhesive deteriorating and cause part coming off and causing road hazard
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (ENGINE) and 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle started, the interior lights and lights on the instrument panel failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The v... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (ENGINE) and 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle started, the interior lights and lights on the instrument panel failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The v... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Recall C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 Hydraulic Control Unit ABS. Continual tripping of the ABS warning resulting in loss of ABS, Cruise Control, Traction Control. Each trip give a warning and chiming resulting in nonstop alarms, noise and loss of the above features. It has been a year since the recall, over two years since the first class action and still no remedy to this safety issue. It is time for the NHT... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Newmar Dutch Star RV. The contact stated that while the RV was parked and occupied, the contact attempted to start the RV and became aware that the instrument panel was displaying a black screen. The dealer was contacted. The RV was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and in... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Car was driving rough, with hesitation with acceleration and MIL lamp was flashing. Car with only 25,924 miles ( bought with 24,641miles). Dealership said 3 plugs have melted which is not normal wear and tear. Nissan still trying to figure out if it's under warranty and said it is not part of recall. It's possible that this car has the recalled vct transmission and recall should be expanded becaus... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
I am paying on a 2017 Lincoln MKZ with total engine failure due to coolant leaking into it. I am aware that NHTSA in early October 2023 there was an investigation into more than 700000 late model Ford due to catastrophic engine failure. Why was people not informed on this matter, or a recall established.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
At slow speeds while turning, the steering column shudders and vibrates. At higher speeds the steering seems to get tight and needs to be forced back in to the correct direction. This has been occurring for approximately 6 months. My car is out of warranty. It could become a dangerous situation.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
While my wife was driving my car on a busy road. The servo brake control unit/ pedal simulator broke making it near impossible to stop the car. She had to crash the car into a parking block. And Honda import/export is uncooperative and dismissive of the fact that my wife and daughters lives were jeopardized due to the part malfunctioning
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while making a right turn into oncoming traffic, the vehicle rear-ended a semi-truck in front, where it came to a stop. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the collision. Additionally, the seat belts became inoperable and failed to restrain the contact, causing the contact to st... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
no power at all all most in a accident with it when it lost power they said it’s the turbo l paid 33,000 for this car it had 35000 miles on it has 103000 on it when it lost power
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
This vehicle continues to randomly stall upon acceleration from a dead stop. There have been numerous times this has created a near- miss accident. It has been in for service on several occasions since owning it with no resolve. This issue has been ongoing since owning it and only getting worse. Current mileage is approx 23,000 miles.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Car is showing a p0720 code which is an issue with the valve body. The car will not go past 3rd gear. This is a known problem with this vehicle. Infiniti is not issuing a recall. The car won't run and the consumer is having to foot the bill for the repair when they know it's an issue with the vehicle and the transmission.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
When making a left turn, my car suddenly bucked up onto the air feeling like I ran over a big obstacle which was not the case. Car came to sudden stop and I was thrown forward over steering wheel. Thankfully no one was behind me or it would have been catastrophic. The first week I owned the car, when going through a car wash, the car started jumping up and down and wouldn't move forward. Had ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Water leaks from the drip rail moldings down into the side airbags which could cause a shortage and unintentional air bag deployment.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
PREMATURE CV axle failure due to regenerative braking. This cause violent wobble leading to the death wobble
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
Speedometer stops working/ lighting up. I called Ford regarding recall 25C19 and they said it doesn't cover this vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Vehicle goes to different gear randomly while driving will go into fifth gear when taking off first thing during first start up of the day.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
Defective out cool oil return line on v8 6.2L engine. Causing the truck to lose oil immediately due to being under pressure. Caused complete engine failure and required a new engine. That took 4-5 months to complete. Located in park city Utah a cold weather location. Not part of the 2019 recall for the same failure that gmc did in Canada and Alaska for a defective cool oil return line. When I ca... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialty shop and was diagnosed with torque converter failure, which caused transmission failure. The torque converter was replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, days after the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The air conditioning in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV has failed due to a refrigerant (freon) leak, leaving the system unable to cool and properly defrost the windshield. This is not an isolated issue—many other GLE owners have reported the same failure on forums and blogs, suggesting a widespread defect. NHTSA has already issued Recall No. 23V177000 (March 2023) for improperly installed A/C dr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
Car has extreme CVT shudder on acceleration. Know issue with Nissan (service bulletin NTB17-039K). Confirmed by dealer. Nissan won't fix this issue because of ever changing excuses. Issues caused traffic issue close call accident and driver hit head on side glass due to shudder.
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
When I am driving my car and stop at a stop light sometimes the car will fail to start up. It goes into neutral and then will take at least a minute to restart which is very dangerous. Its something with the start/stop feature and I had this problem two years ago and after many times dropping off my car at the Honda dealership and them telling me nothing is wrong with the car I finally said the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
The rear lift hatch on my 2017 Toyota RAV4 is not working properly. It can be raised without a problem most of the time but not lowered without a lot of effort and time. It might go down several inches and stop before going back up again causing me to have to start the process all over again. It definitely could present a danger if someone tried to force it up or down or if they got a body part... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
Upon getting warranty repairs done to vehicle, the car started to glitch out the next day in the cabin with multiple electronics. Driver window switch was turning on and off, when it turned off, multiple electronics glitched out in the car. Brought back to dealership as multiple sources online said the driver's door switch was the reason for the glitches. Upon the dealership removing the door pane... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Steering system not behaving as expected. Very stiff when making left and right turns at slow and moderate speeds, with a failure of the steering wheel to return to center.