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 13, 2023
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ("ABS") MODULE remains a threat to my life. Hyundai should be required to fix this in a timely manner, yet has failed to do so. This recall has no remedy from the manufacturer STILL nor the appropriate replacement parts/services available. The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraul... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) 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 contact stated that the vehicle was parked inside the garage, and she was unable to fo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled upon acceleration. There were no warning lights illuminated. After exiting the vehicle, the doors began to lock and unlock. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated the failure was due to the fuel pump. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train) 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms pa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
Torque converter and transmission problems cause the vehicle to stutter upon acceleration or not accelerate at all. Gear shifts can be erratic. No CEL or DTCs appear in the OBD system. I was barely able to proceed through an intersection until the transmission finally engaged fully and I was able to accelerate correctly. Ford is aware of the problem as proven by TSBs 20B27 and 20N07 but refuse to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Recall still in not fixed and no update my airbag light is on and i got it checked out it's for the recall. This recall is from May 10th something needs to be done!! Please take action make GMC give out loaner cars until it is fixed at the least.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Component; Fuel filter Component Available; Yes Safety; Fuel leak on engine ( Fire Risk ) Reproduced; No Inspected; No Warnings; Smell of fuel/Fuel on ground and water
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact heard a chime and the “Steering Maintenance" warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving and exited the highway and stopped at an auto parts store where the contact was advised that the power steering was electrically assisted and was referred to a dealer. The contact was able to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
Took it in 2 weeks ago for an oil changed and they replaced a camshaft solenoid saying that was causing my issues. I had to take it back yesterday and now they're telling me it's a torque converter or a transmission and it's going to cost me $3,500. After reviewing I think have GM has a lot of issues with this component . GM was aware of the situation and never fixed it. As I read through the tech... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
Car shudders and wobbles on freeway speeds when it hits seams or bumps in the road. Has steering stabilizer replaced in Feb 2023, which temporarily solved the problem. It has since started doing it again. The car has 20,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
Connector for cooling hoses blew out causing engine to overheat and stand my family on the highway. This appears to be a common problem that someone did a YouTube video on it. I have put the video link below. Please have them recall before someone gets hurt. Ford Lincoln does not respond. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fire
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow down, the contact became aware of an abnormal resistance on the brake pedal, which required excessive force on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The VSC Off warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated that the check engine light was later illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to a second indepen... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
While driving 20 mile/hr. the car's steering wheel got extremely stiff and difficult to steer. Made an appointment with Hoda Village to fix the issue. After diagnosis, service manager told me that it was rates chowing on electric harness and informed me this was not covered under warranty. Repair cost me about $700.00. Unfortunately, now the same issue is occurring, I have check all over the engin... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated with a message to “Pull Over and Turn Off Vehicle” displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that there was fluid leaking into cylinder #1 an... Read more
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2022) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 13, 2023
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
My side pillar on the passenger side of my 2016 Ford Explorer door came off and I had to buy a new one. Now my A-Pillar on the drivers windshield has come off as I was on the freeway. This is safety issue for me and other drivers who may be struck. I read that this is a known issue with the 5th generation Explorers. I wanted to see if Ford has acknowledged this and has a fix in place for this issu... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR SENSOR SAYS CAR DOOR IS OPEN EVEN WHEN DOOR IS FIRMLY SHUT. CAUSES DOORS NOT TO LOCK, INTERIOR AND PUDDLE LIGHTS REMAIN ON, DRAINS BATTERY, DOORS WON'T LOCK EVEN WITH CAR IN MOTION. Severe Rust problems under carriage Air Bag light remains on
Incident date: May 1, 2023
While using cruise control on a recent road trip, the car braked suddenly for no apparent reason. This happened 7 times over a time frame of 11 days of driving. Each time it occured while traveling on a freeway (2 lanes each direction), large median, very light to no traffic, during the day, the car slammed on the brakes, without warning while traveling the speed limit (up to 75 mph). The first... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
While using cruise control on a recent road trip, the car braked suddenly for no apparent reason. This happened 7 times over a time frame of 11 days of driving. Each time it occured while traveling on a freeway (2 lanes each direction), large median, very light to no traffic, during the day, the car slammed on the brakes, without warning while traveling the speed limit (up to 75 mph). The first... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
The contact's son owned a 2012 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as her son no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
TRANSMISSION TORQUE IS FAILING - THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE YEAR AND MODEL CARS BUT MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED... IM REACHING OUT NOW AND I CAN'T GET ANY HELP!!!
Incident date: May 31, 2023
Was driving at about 40 mph with cruise control on, when my passenger and I noticed extreme vibrations and noises with. Began slowing to turn into a gas station just ahead when the clunking became so violent the front of the vehicle was bouncing. As I turned into the gas station, there was a loud bang, smoke billowed from the hood, and the engine stalled leaving me with no power steering. I turne... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
PIRELLI SCORPION ZER ALL SEASON 255/40R21 The tread is falling off in chuncks. Both the front and back tires.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
While driving the vehicle, the codes related to the following systems all began flashing: Automatic Emergency Braking Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance My 17-year-old daughter, a new driver, was driving the vehicle at the time and became concerned, distracting her from concentrating on the road. The next day when my husband went to check the car, now the check engine lights... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
UNKNOWN ON several occasions the vehicle would just shut off. Another occasion while getting on the freeway I pressed the accelerator pedal and the car pumped the brakes,there was no one in front of me or on side of me upon entering the freeway. Another incident I was in the fast lane on the freeway and the vehicle just shut off Thank goodness the fast lane had a place where I could pull over a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty clutch plate. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure rec... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
I was driving in the left lane of a two lane street. Due to construction, the right hand lane had orange construction barrels. All of a sudden, alarms went off, in RED LETTERS the word BRAKE! appeared on my dashboard and the car automatically braked - hard. There was no obstruction of any kind in my lane. All the items on my seats flew to the floor. The seat belt wrenched me back. I now have a mil... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while reversing, the message "Release Parking Brake" was displayed. The contact stated that she engaged the parking brake release button. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
ABS control module pump/Hydraulic control module. 49000 miles. ABS lights/Service Electronic braking. No parts available for repair. On indefinite back order from Mopar. This problem needs to be solved. Thanks
Incident date: Sep 26, 2020
Recall 23S28 on my vehicle has never been repaired. have contacted dealership several times and have been told I would have to wait for part. Three months is not acceptable . I have tried to call 888-327-4236 and line does not connect. Also tried to email NHTSA.gov and will not go through.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
While I was driving my toddler who was in the 3rd row pushed the bottom located at the back of the 2nd row seat. The seat came foward with my baby who was in his carseat causing him to come foward at a really high speed (since the seat moves foward really fast and with impulse) causing him to hit his head and almost causing me to crash. I had to stop in the middle of where I was driving since my b... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Panoramic sunroof exploded. This happened on a country highway with no other cars or debris around.
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2022) — ENGINE
Nov 3, 2023
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
“Check engine” light came on recently (September 30th) accompanied by a rattling noise and smell of something burning inside the vehicle. Stopped at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts to have them pull the code before heading to auto shop. Code pulled was P0014 stating issue with exhaust camshaft. Took vehicle to Techway Automotive shop for diagnostic and let them know the code that was pulled at O’R... Read more
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2022) — ENGINE
Nov 3, 2023
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
The engine component caught fire spontaneously when car was pulled into a parking lot. There was no warning sign. It did not show any service required notice like it usually does on the dashboard for example if oil is low. There were no recalls pending on this vehicle. The fire was big enough that we had to call fire department to put out. It would have affected other vehicles if not put out. Th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
While traveling in the left lane on a 2 lane interstate, 79S, the car suddenly braked as I passed a truck in the right lane entering a curve. The "apply brake now" emergency message also flashed on the display. Had a vehicle been closely following behind, it would have crashed into my rear
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Vehicle indicator states no more starts in 249 miles due to Quality of Diesel exhaust fluid. Car has been to dealership 3times and continues light/indicator comes on. Only owner of car and always new highest quality blue DEF used for vehicle. Car stopped while I was on a trip and would not restart while I was in a remote area. Dangerous situation stuck in middle of nowhere as female alone. Revie... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The rear window shattered while using the rear window defrost.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not av... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
I took my car to a Kia dealership after the engine recall in 2020, and again this year. In 2020, they told me there wasn't anything they could do without the code. It seems very much like Kia are manipulating these recall rules. My car is making the rod noises and squealing noises related to this recall. It often loses power around 65 miles an hour. They charged me $75 for a diagnostic, and attemp... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
I took my car to a Kia dealership after the engine recall in 2020, and again this year. In 2020, they told me there wasn't anything they could do without the code. It seems very much like Kia are manipulating these recall rules. My car is making the rod noises and squealing noises related to this recall. It often loses power around 65 miles an hour. They charged me $75 for a diagnostic, and attemp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX equipped with Les Schwab Tires, Tire Line: Back Country Touring, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: UP76 DRW. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the front passenger’s side tire rolled over a plastic lane divider. The contact then heard air being released from the tire and immediately pulled over into a parking lot. The contact discovered side wall... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX equipped with Les Schwab Tires, Tire Line: Back Country Touring, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: UP76 DRW. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the front passenger’s side tire rolled over a plastic lane divider. The contact then heard air being released from the tire and immediately pulled over into a parking lot. The contact discovered side wall... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2020
Drivers door has broken spot welds. Loud snaps when door is opened or closed. Power window won't go down all the way. From what I'm reading the door could just open up as you are driving down the road. Door checker bar needs to be replaced. Part #lj6z7823552 b.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train) 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q7 equipped with Nexen HP, Tire Line: Roadian, Tire Size: 275/45/R20, DOT Number: 8YEHDECR2122. The contact stated that after washing her vehicle she noticed that a bubble had formed on the side wall of the passenger’s side front tire. The contact stated that the front tires were constantly losing air. The contact stated that this was the fourth set of tires that had... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact reset the check engine warning light however, the light became illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the engine oil was low and needed to be topped off. Additionally, the dealer offered to perform an oil ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
While driving on the freeway my brakes failed. I had pushed the pedal all the way down and the vehicle was still moving. This caused a rear end collision. There were no warnings that appeared.
Crash
2 injured
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Oct 28, 2023
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
Car slams on brakes by itself. Once with large metal plate used for construction. Going about 40-45mph. Another time when someone turned completely and it slammed on the brakes nowhere near a vehicle.