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 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, she became aware that the brake pedal required excessive effort to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Audi E-Tron. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System) 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 not exper... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
the steering system locks up and loses power assist,and the brakes and traction control sys also malfunction, and several failure lights all come on ,as I was making a left turn in front of a police car the steering locked up and I almost hit the police car,the vehicle isn't driveable,the policeman advised me not to drive the car,he verified the steering didn't work,when the problem occurs the ste... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle began making abnormal noises from under the floorboards. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle only revved and was not gaining forward momentum. The contact stated numerous warning lights were illuminated. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The vehicle would shudder when trying to accelerate. I almost was hit by a semi truck trying to merge onto the freeway. Made an appointment with the mechanic then a couple days later I was at a stop sign and the vehicle would not accelerate at all. I placed in park the tried shifting back into drive and still nothing. I had to turn the vehicle on and off twice before I was able to shift it in driv... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Fire inside of the motor, behind the engine computer. Upon researching recalls for Lincoln Navigators I found these other recalls online for possibly the same fire issue: "Ford has issued a recall for some of its 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs due to a potential engine fire risk. Over 65,000 2021-year model vehicles manufactured between December 2020 and April 2021 have been aff... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
While driving vehicle at highway speed, error message stating “Gear Selected will Engage at Low Speed” and the vehicle lost all ability to drive at highway speed. Note: no buttons had been unintentionally selected, and it happened twice within a short period of time. Pulling to a safe location while in a rolling deceleration, the vehicle slammed on its brakes at about 5mph. It then showed erro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
This car brakes while we are driving while there is nothing in front. was reported to the dealer, they can not find the issue unless the carb does it, or I can turn off the program, but that is not a safe move.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was pulling to one side. There was an abnormal winding noise detected. The window failed to go up when the button was depressed. The engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an ind... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Randomly lose power steering control while operating vehicle, dealer diagnosed issue as same problem part in 2015 GMC Canyon Recall
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V482000 (Tires) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool conf... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Driving and randomly the steering wheels loses power steering and gives a power steering fault code. I was with my children and almost crashed. I’m told this is very common and Ford refuses to recall it.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
I got into a car accident and my air bags never deployed and the seat beat didn’t lock so I cause me to get jerked and my head hit the side door and I messed up my left shoulder and arm in the process of holding myself from hitting the steering wheel and my breaks didn’t stop when I got hit and pressed down my car got stuck on drive accelerating on its own after I had my foot on break to stop ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
I got into a car accident and my air bags never deployed and the seat beat didn’t lock so I cause me to get jerked and my head hit the side door and I messed up my left shoulder and arm in the process of holding myself from hitting the steering wheel and my breaks didn’t stop when I got hit and pressed down my car got stuck on drive accelerating on its own after I had my foot on break to stop ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel was yanked to the left. The contact stated that the "Service ESC and Power Steering" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence. On another occasion, the following day while making a right turn, the steering wheel was yanked to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
2018 Honda CR-V has had the automatic emergency braking system engaged about 6x so far while driving on the highway when no other vehicle was in sight. I would be driving and then the auto brake system would kick in and slow the truck down or just completely stop.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and coming to a stop, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated he was able to continue to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) howev... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
Left front drivers door flies open while driving. Door has already been repaired twice by dealers and problem keeps returning.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
On April 28, 2023, while driving our Forf Explore, we smelled gasoline from our vehicle. We immediately stopped at the next exit, and my husband looked under the vehicle and saw gas dripping from under the engine. We immediately went to the nearest Ford dealership where the vehicle had stayed for a week. We were advised that the leak was one of the metal fuel lines that rubbed onto the frame and c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
On April 28, 2023, while driving our Forf Explore, we smelled gasoline from our vehicle. We immediately stopped at the next exit, and my husband looked under the vehicle and saw gas dripping from under the engine. We immediately went to the nearest Ford dealership where the vehicle had stayed for a week. We were advised that the leak was one of the metal fuel lines that rubbed onto the frame and c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
It would not downshift or go into reverse. I have to replace the LH Multifunction switch.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
SOS Emergency notification service does not work. Unable to call or be located if an accident or emergency occurs.
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
23V651000 This recall came out in September it has now been 8 months and no remedy has been avaible which to me is not a timely manner, it is getting costly for me to not park near buildings where I normally park or in garages, starting to have to do that and just hope that my car does not catch fire, this is getting ridicules
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2022) — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Sun roof exploded in my driveway.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that there was a large crack on the windshield going across the front windshield. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering system, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving at highway speeds, the steering is sticking and requires effort/driver input to keep the car straight. While making correction, the steering seems to take additional force to get ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
Piston Number 3 is misfiring which is the from an error code. Replaced the piston 3 twice and now coolant is leaking into the engine which cause the coolant to leak into the engine. This is a safety risk since the car does not give a warning until there is no more coolant in the car which can cause a fire while driving. The issue was shown twice and confirmed by 2 independent mechanics and the de... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began shaking and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to slow as intended. On another occasion, while the vehicle was in reverse and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to slow as intended. The parking brake ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2020
Component: EyeSight Camera motherboard failure due to cold weather (Code B28B3). Possibly an improper conformal coating that is susceptible to cracking or building moisture which then freezes and cracks components of the camera system. Safety Concern: It appears this is common in Subaru EyeSight systems for all models years 2017-2019. A local mechanic shop (Fairbanks, AK) has seen these systems ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
TRUCK WAS AT THE SHOP FOR A REPAIR, UPON THE TECHNICIAN DRIVING THE TRUCK WHEN HE TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT THE WHOLE TRUCK SHUT OFF, TOW TRUCK HAD TO BRING IT BACK TO THE SHOP, THIS IS A PROBLEM IN THIS TRUCK BUT THE VIN DOESNT HAVE RECALL ALTHOUGH 15 EPS SERIAL #'S ARE INCLUDED IN A POWER STEERING RECALL.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 stated that when starting the vehicle,... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2020) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Apr 2, 2024
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
When driving on interstate or any road of 45 mph or more the transmission? Engine? Goes up in speed on cruise and tachometer goes up and down and it sounds weird
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at a complete stop and would restart independently while shifting into park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, a chime sounded, and the message "Think About Taking a Rest" was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure via email. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
Received recalled letter in mail for car almost 9 months ago. Hyundai has yet to issue fix. 9 months to fix a potential life threatening issue is ridiculous. To top things off we are told to continue driving the car even though it will eventually explode into a fireball of a mess after enough brake fluid leaks into electrical components. We have a 9 month old baby and the Hyundai Azera is cons... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
1st time start bike to go ride , pulled break lever, it completely collapsed. Took to dealer as it was new they said routine maintenance. Bike was less than 1 yr old. Now the bike is 3 years old , went to go ride started bike brake lever has collapsed again. First time the bike had less than 2000 miles , I now have 7000 miles on it and there is no reason for this continual defect. I have a certif... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
Approx one year post engine replacement, and 2 weeks prior turbo system replacement, I am having major issues with my sonatait struggles to stay started, it always hesitates and doesn't want to move when I press accelerator, shakes jolts and shudders, the smell of burning oil comes thru the vents and even smoke comes out from under the vehicle. The engine is leaking masses amounts of oil that seem... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
My convertible top is not lining up with the windows. When it rain water on the floor . U don’t see where it’s coming from . I just see large amount of water
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
I was using the Summon feature and the vehicle scraped another car. The safety features that keep the vehicle from hitting an object did not work.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the parts were ordered but were not shipped... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission malfunctioned causing the vehicle to erroneously downshift and lose motive power. Additionally, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch disk and transmission actuators ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
I am having multiple electrical glitches with the vehicle. While I was in bluecruise the self driving mode the vehicle warned me to take control and when I did the vehicle was stuck in a loop on the highway with notifications alarms. I was able to take a video one of the times. I took it to the ford dealer and they said they needed me to bring it back when an engineer was available. While waiting ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Just after 100k mile service, car began to shutter when slowing and then stalls at stops. Eventually after I leave it in neutral for up to 2-20 min it will finally restart. First time it happened it wouldn’t start. I had to push vehicle out of major intersection to avoid being hit then pay to tow it to nearest mechanic. Once there, it restarted and problem couldn’t be replicated nor did it rel... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Water damage recently started in back ceiling of truck above rear window. Coming in from somewhere. Also notice a large crack in plastic all of a sudden. Online research is showing a lot of the same complaints of cracks and water damage. I do not see a recall though? I've only owned the truck for 8 months and this has happened within weeks.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
I have just replaced the Engine oil filter housing on my 2015 jeep wrangler unlimited rubicon for the fourth time the first three replacements were at East hills jeep on Long Island n.y the fourth repair was at Willis ave repair and diagnostic in Albertson N.Y at a cost of $859.33. Ongoing problem with thousands of other jeeps owners reporting the same issue. during the course of these breakdowns... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
Engine locked up. Had it to run hot one day. When cooled off put fluid in and drive for four days after went to get in to go out and wouldn’t start. Fluids was still good that day. Had to haul to garage and that’s when said it was locked up. Has 104,000 miles. Had had the plugs changed as what the codes said it needed. March 4th is day it quit
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
My 2018 F150 XLT had the low brake fluid light and message come across my onboard computer as I was driving. When I went to stop my truck to check my brake fluid level, my brake pedal went to the floor and slowly my truck came to a stop. Luckily, I did not collide with anything and was close to a store. I then bought more brake fluid because as it said, it was low, and was. I then proceeded to dri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
Purchased car in early January 2024 and on February 18th the vehicle wouldn't start. Got the vehicle to start after jumping it and drove straight to the dealership to have it checked / repaired. The car has been in the dealership service bay ever since. I worked with dealership and then escalated the issue to Lincoln Concierge Group (corporate office). I am told it is an issue with the Audio C... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
I bought a used 2018 Ford escape eco-boost SUV from Elder Ford. I recently have been experiencing coolant problems where the coolant is dissipating from the engine. The car has run hot two or three times and now there appears to be coolant and oil mixed together that's over the engine and it appears that there is a cracked head gasket. I have researched on the computer to find this is a known prob... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
I bought a used 2018 Ford escape eco-boost SUV from Elder Ford. I recently have been experiencing coolant problems where the coolant is dissipating from the engine. The car has run hot two or three times and now there appears to be coolant and oil mixed together that's over the engine and it appears that there is a cracked head gasket. I have researched on the computer to find this is a known prob... Read more