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 19,021 complaints for LINCOLN
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Vehicle was parked in my driveway with the engine running for about 5-10 minutes while I was going into the house to turn off my alarm, then return to take out 2 of my elderly dogs; & finally to take out my other dogs. I then returned to the car, opened the driver's side front door & reached in to push the "stop" button on the dash. As soon as I did, the vehicle immediately went into reverse & pul... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Vehicle was parked in my driveway with the engine running for about 5-10 minutes while I was going into the house to turn off my alarm, then return to take out 2 of my elderly dogs; & finally to take out my other dogs. I then returned to the car, opened the driver's side front door & reached in to push the "stop" button on the dash. As soon as I did, the vehicle immediately went into reverse & pul... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine, ABS, and brake warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle; however, upon restart the transmission failed to shift into the desired gear. The vehicle was towe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine, ABS, and brake warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle; however, upon restart the transmission failed to shift into the desired gear. The vehicle was towe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
I finance this car 10/ 25/24. I found some papers inside the car that says the car was 300.0 miles. But i purchased to the dealer with 77.0miles, how can I know is was a fraud?
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
-As stated on GMC Indiana Dealer Invoice: DIAG: Customer states that fuel line blew off while driving down the highway. Believes that it blew off at connector. #[XXX]: Found fuel line above fuel tank broken. Dropped tank to remove and replace fuel feed line. Reinstall fuel tank and test. Okay My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. -Traveling at 70 MPH highway speed on [XXX] near ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
CV joint axle front right and left. Vehicle shaking upon acceleration and getting worse. This issue is very concerning when driving on the highway. This vehicle was taken to the dealership for a diagnosis. It is confirmed that the axle shafts need to be replaced. The estimated repair for this is $1200. This problem started as a subtle vibration. I took the vehicle to a tire shop and paid do have t... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 30, 2024
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Stalling while driving slow. Stalled in traffic. Had to pushed off the road. Started running after a few minutes. Stalled 2 more times while i was leaving home. Would not start again for a few days each time. Alot of sensors are flashing. Has not been looked at by any dealership. Engine shuts down while driving
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 30, 2024
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Driving slowly in a parking lot, went over a speed bump and the car suddenly started to shake/rumble and the brakes did not work. Almost hit the car infront of me. Very forcibly, applied brakes again which did stop the car. Just did a Google search and others have reported same issue and one suggested to file this complaint with you as apparently Hyundai is doing nothing about it. Car has just... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The side pillar of my windshield flew off on the freeway and probably hit another car this was very dangerous and now I'm missing a piece of my car. This recall need to be fixed asap
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The side pillar of my windshield flew off on the freeway and probably hit another car this was very dangerous and now I'm missing a piece of my car. This recall need to be fixed asap
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 25, 2024
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
On three separate occasions (so far), our 2022 RAM 1500, with 23,768 miles on it, has stalled, and completely shut down all driving function while in forward motion. 1. While pulling out from the grocery store parking lot onto a main town road while trying to accelerate from 5-25mph. (May 2024) 2. After restarting the truck, and driving forward a couple feet, it happened again. (May 2024) 3. Wh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
My 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SL has once again developed problems with the Emergency forward Brake System. The ABS AEB was replaced in January 2024 at Southwest Nissan in Weatherford Tx . Today, [XXX] the AEB light came back on. This is also the second time I have had to replace the Brake light located under the brake pedal. This is the second time I am reporting this problem to NHTSA. Research on ... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2015) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
At around 93k miles my HECU unit apparently malfunctioned at the same time as the left front tire speed indicator. All of my safety features ABS, adaptive cruise control, lane departure, lane keeping etc do not work because of this.
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2015) - STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the driver side sun visor fell from the ceiling without incident. In addition, the contact stated that a white smoke began to emit from the sun visor's wiring. Despite the failure, the contact managed to drive the vehicle to their destination. Upon re-entering the vehicle, the contact stated that the engine fai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags). The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to drive to the residence by using manual strength to steer the vehicle.... Read more
LINCOLN
NAUTILUS HYBRID
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I was driving east from Austin, Tx on [XXX], and as I approached a major intersection in Elgin, Tx., a warning light appeared on my dashboard that said "hybrid system failure: pull over safely". I was able to pull over into the left turn lane and then was barely able to make it over a curb and onto a highway median strip, before my car engine stopped and all dashboard lights went out. This ha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed condensation under the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that unknown parts neede... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
I was stopped in traffic on a local freeway at rush hour. The vehicle behind me was slowing to a stop. An SUV did not slow down and hit the vehicle behind me at approximately 60 mph. That vehicle was flipped when the SUV collided with it. The SUV collided with me, pushing my vehicle into a van in front of me and then sending my vehicle across 3 lanes of the highway. In the initial impact, my seat ... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlights failed to illuminate while it w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
On October 18, 2024 I got a check engine light after starting my vehicle when leaving the grocery store. I stopped at a mechanic shop near by and was told the code they pulled stated that there was an “Air Flap Control Malfunction.” I’ experienced this same issue a year earlier on December 15, 2024 when I got an engine warning light that stayed on and it gave this same error message. Before ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Like many other Honda Civics 2018, I have a "sticky" steering wheel when making slight turns or changing lanes on highway, normally at 50 mph or more. it happens all the time now. seems to be a safety issue but Honda is not recalling. We bought for our new driver [XXX] old in Jan) and feel it's a true safety concern for him. Please advise. thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2017) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Oct 21, 2024
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Automatic braking disabled yet sensor stuck in Alert mode and slams on brakes pulling into parking spaces, backing up, etc
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
My ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE & TPMS LIGHTS have been ON for the past few months. My tire air pressure is fine. The dealer claims I need to replace the VSA MODULE at the cost est @ $1900. After my personal investigation, I have learned Honda has had numerous customer complaints of these same issues on 2012-2013 Honda Accords.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
In September my check engine light came on, codes were for spark plugs, ignition coil and misfire cylinder 2. I took it to mechanic he said my spark plugs were covered in oil I changed the spark plugs, replaced valve cover gasket and intake gasket. Engine light went off car felt great not even 2 days later I felt the misfire again and there's the engine light back on and white smoke from my exhaus... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
In April of 2024 initially the car was under warranty. I took my vehicle to the Edmond Hyundai dealership to see why I kept having to put oil in the car in between oil changes. The dealership said iI needed an oil consumption test to determine if the loss of oil amount was excessive. They changed the oil and i drove it 1000 miles and returned it to the dealership. They said it was was around 1 qua... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
My vehicle has only 70,000 miles on it. My transmission began to shimmy and is getting worse and worse and several technicians have told me the transmission will have to be replaced. The parts are not available anywhere in the country to rebuild the parts of the transmission that are defective. Secondly I was told I could replace the transmission but there are no transmissions available in the ent... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
My cars rpm's started randomly jumping which would coincide with a slight jerking feeling when the car shifted gears. First I was told it was my spark plugs and then the coil packs. When both of those were changed and the problem persisted they ran multiple diagnostic tests and came up with nothing. Then my car started to shudder when I put gas in it and then the radio screen and door locks would ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
I took my truck in because i have a tone wheel that needs to be replaced. my truck is getting recall 66a where the remedy is just a flash of the ecu. my tone wheel needs to be replaced and is covered under recall 73a. ram is not going to cover replacing this known issue because according to them my vin is only getting the code 66a, a known issue for this year truck and motor.
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 15, 2024
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
My 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was stopped at a red light behind a car. My cruise was disengaged after the car stopped and my foot was on the brake. Suddenly, the car lurched forward on its own and only stopped when I pressed hard on the brake and moved transmission from drive to park.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
while i was driving the van started acting like i was driving a stick shift car. stalling out . Now the car jumps and wants to turn off when I'm reversing or trying to drive. It feels like i am driving a stich shift car and cant get out of first gear.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Brake pedal sinks all the way to the floor to be able to break. Dealership changed brake booster to solve the problem. It was replaced but it’s still doing the same thing. Next recommendation was to change the brake master cylinder. It was also replacement but still having the same issue. Now the dealership is recommending to change the HCU (hydraulic control unit). I did some research that some... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Engine consumed all oil and seized up, complete engine failure. We had just had a full synthetic oil change (and regularly did so according to manufacturer recommendations) 2,000 miles prior. This failure was not due to negligence. It appears to be a part of the same oil consumption issues with the 2.4L ecotech engine.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim separated, hit the windshield and flew off. The local dealer and a second dealer, Speedway Ford(1710 N Expy, Griff... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Because my instrument panel is alway illuminated, I was unaware that I was driving one night without my lights on. Now I know why I see more cars at night without their lights. Manufacturers need to fix this problem. Older cars would not turn on the panel lights if the headlights weren't on. You would think this would be an easy technology fix with since we have self driving cars now.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
The engine oil cooler line detached from the crimp joints, causing an "oil pressure low turn vehicle off" alert. I was fortunately able to pull over immediately, and catch the 8 quarts of oil which dumped out. This resulted in $634 repair bill, and likely damage to the engine of the truck. Had I not been in a rural area and able to pull over immediately, I would have lost all power to drive and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The NH-788P White Orchid Pearl Paint that was given an extended warranty due to a "paint peeling problem" on the Fit and HR-V models is now affecting Civics. I currently own a 2017 Civic Hatchback with the same paint, from the same country of manufacturing origin, within the same time frame, and was never given an extension warranty and currently am being denied help. The worst paint peeling, un... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
I was driving, slowing down approaching stop sign and the car just shut off leaving me stranded in the middle of a road, blocking traffic. It is a start/stop push button so there was no way to get it in gear to move it. Everything was completely locked up. I had my child in my car with me. If we had been 10 minutes further into my trip, I would have been on the highway and we probably would have b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
When I back out of driveway or any parking space, the brakes make a loud moaning noise along with what is almost a grinding noise. It does not matter the time of day, the temperature, or humidity. The car makes the noise every time it is used. This has been an ongoing issue since owning the car in 2021, and it has been to the dealership on three occasions to have the issue looked at. The brakes an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
I have contact ford dealer I. Desoto about the recall on my ford explorer the piller has came off on the driver side and the passenger side is about to come off they say they waiting on ford to send them the parts but be here around mid year and still have not heard anything from ford
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
[XXX] 2015 Honda CRV would not start, called AAA who determined battery needed to be replaced. AAA replaced battery on the spot upon purchase. [XXX] 2015 Honda CRV would not start, called AAA who determined battery was bad, needed to be replaced, AAA replaced with a AAA battery. Battery drain continued, exhausted the AAA road side allotment. 10/2023 Local Service Center checked battery and determ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
Back window shattered which seems to be a common issue looking at reports from others
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
- My 2018 Mazda CX 9 started stalling and jittering at idle and then eventually during slow driving. - Next day I got a check engine light, took to Mazda service center at the dealership I have been going to for last 6 years since I bought the car. - Service center diagnosed that there was a coolant leak through the cylinder head which seems to have cracked. - Further investigation indicated that... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
I pulled onto a 4 lane divided highway and the car immediately went into limp mode, meaning the car would not go more than 1 MPH even with the gas pedal to the floor. I could NOT accelerate thus my safety was in danger, and I was almost hit by a tractor trailer truck. I pulled over to the side of road as best I could, then shut the engine off and restarted the engine. This apparently re-set some s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2020
We have experienced the well-reported Death Wobble multiple times - beginning approx in 2020 - going approx 55 mph on a one-lane highway and hit a slight bump in the road. Could not control the vehicle, the steering wheel started shaking violently as we headed for a concrete bridge. Had to stop the vehicle completely. Then we experienced the same Incident on different roads. We had the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
While driving the vehicle the vacuum pump failed and caused the camshaft to seize and physically break which caused the break peddle to become hard and breaking the vehicle was limited and almost nonexistent, which caused an extremely dangerous situation on the highway.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Reference recall No. 24V-576, I believe the issue reported in the recall is related to the 'Auto Start' feature of the vehicle. As a result of this failure, the safety issue can be much serious than what is stated in recall. In addition to the electrical overload of the starter, leading to risk of fire, the vehicle will not start, unable to shift out of Park therefore, potential of stranding the... Read more