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: May 13, 2024
As I was parking the parking sensors didn’t engage to say I was too close to another vehicle causing me to side swipe the other vehicle! I thought it was just me but still 4 days later anytime I park the sensors don’t alert me as being too close! The forward and reverse emergency brake system is not engaging as it used to do!
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
After driving the car about 5 miles at about 10 miles per hour while decelerating the transmission shifted into neutral requiring me to need to pull over to the side of the road, put the car in park, turn it off and back on again, this has now happened 3 times in the span of about 1 week.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
After the recent 1-month free trial of FSD, my basic autopilot does not keep speed and will reset the programmed speed. This causes my car to slow rapidly and unexpectedly. This erratic change of speed creates a safety issue on the road due to the car slowing with no warning and without reason. Tesla has evaluated the vehicle remotely and has said it is performing normally despite this behavior... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
When driving the transmission will shift to different settings forcing the rear wheels to lock up and sending the truck into limp mode. The wrench light will appear for a short amount of time and the truck will go back to running like normal. I was told by the dealer the Transmission Lead Frame needs to be replaced and my vehicle is currently in the shop facing a $1500 repair. I had the power tra... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2017) - SERVICE BRAKES
May 7, 2024
Incident date: Mar 15, 2020
I was in the service lane waiting for an oil change for my 2022 RAM 1500. My car was in parking mode. A service tech plugged a "pod" or "OBD2" and asked me to drive the car with the pod plugged. As soon as I tried to pull out my lane the car acceleraterated even though I was not pressing on the gas pedal. I tried to hit the brake but car would not stop for few seconds until I hit the parked car in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
Engine coolant bypass valve failure when the vehicle was very new. Message "engine maintenance required" showing on screen, unable to bypass message. Nearly $1000 to fix, which is not something I am capable of doing.
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2017) - POWER TRAIN
May 6, 2024
Incident date: May 6, 2024
When coming to a slow stop, the transmission has a clunky shift from 2nd to 1st gear.
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2017) - POWER TRAIN
May 6, 2024
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Transmission jerking, harsh shifting, clunking, lunging, and hesitating. I have taken this truck to Hagerstown Ford for repair. They advised they were able to duplicate the problem and found the transmission was 1.5 quarts low on fluid. I have driven the truck a few hundred miles since and the issues are still there. I also understand Ford is having issues with the 10R80 transmission and there hav... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2017) - SERVICE BRAKES
May 6, 2024
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Transmission jerking, harsh shifting, clunking, lunging, and hesitating. I have taken this truck to Hagerstown Ford for repair. They advised they were able to duplicate the problem and found the transmission was 1.5 quarts low on fluid. I have driven the truck a few hundred miles since and the issues are still there. I also understand Ford is having issues with the 10R80 transmission and there hav... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Continental 235/40/r19 This is what I sent to Consumer Affair website: My personal experience reflects exactly the same as the poor rating of this brand. Tire has separation at 32k miles on the Tesla 3. I first noticed a thumb thumb sound. I ignored but it got worse then the vibration inside cabin started to occur. I pulled the tire off and inspected. My God i have a tire separation with steel... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
I've been driving in Arizona on southbound [XXX] just south of [XXX] and noticed an issue that is very odd. I have a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe that has Highway Driving Assist that does both speed control and distance from the vehicle ahead of me and Lane Keeping Assist. After I pass [XXX], but before an overpass for [XXX], my vehicle, if those systems are on, goes haywire and all those safety systems... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
I've been driving in Arizona on southbound [XXX] just south of [XXX] and noticed an issue that is very odd. I have a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe that has Highway Driving Assist that does both speed control and distance from the vehicle ahead of me and Lane Keeping Assist. After I pass [XXX], but before an overpass for [XXX], my vehicle, if those systems are on, goes haywire and all those safety systems... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
I've been driving in Arizona on southbound [XXX] just south of [XXX] and noticed an issue that is very odd. I have a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe that has Highway Driving Assist that does both speed control and distance from the vehicle ahead of me and Lane Keeping Assist. After I pass [XXX], but before an overpass for [XXX], my vehicle, if those systems are on, goes haywire and all those safety systems... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The power steering started going out and then comes back on, which is very dangerous!
Incident date: May 2, 2024
-service engine light went on 2 weeks ago, intermittently. - escalated when engine began locking/ shuddering while driving and engine light began flashing. - had vehicle towed to the nearby dealership - dealer diagnosed it as a blown head gasket due to manufacturing defects. Dealer offered up that ‘they see this issue all the time’ with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. - dealer quoted $6000 for th... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
anti-theft device failure after break-in thieves entered my locked vehicle after it was alarmed. the anti-theft device was deactivated and doors were unlocked for thieves gain entrance to the vehicle. After entrance, the were able to roll the vehicle down the street and start the vehicle. the thieves were able to by-pass the switch from the original key fob.
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Steering wheel is sticky when driving on highway
Incident date: May 1, 2024
HUGE crack developed suddenly in windshield. This is the third repair I have had to make. This windshield seems to crack easily - even the slightest hit damages the windshield. With this crack I can feel the separation in the glass. It’s dangerous. Doing a simple internet search reveals this as a known issue.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
Engine inconsistently stutters and stalls. Ignition coils, fuel injector, and spark plugs all had to be replaced multiple times. Problem has been reproduced by repair places but not fixed and the source of the problem has not been found. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, they advise to replace ignition coils again for the fourth time and still do not know what is causing the proble... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
Vehicle has excessive oil usage which made a carbon build up and the engine blew. I was told by my Kia dealer when I first started burning oil that this is a known problem and my engine would eventually blow a piston and not work. Unfortunately this happened. Knowing this was a problem Kia is aware of and not fixing is wrong.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
2nd time, I did not put auto brake on but it engaged itself and than was stuck and would not disengage. Luckily I was not in traffic, because that could have been a serious safety issue. The e brake engages on its own and than won’t dislodge. Multiple times this has happened now. Took it in once and paid almost $1500 to get it repaired, 3 days later same thing happened again!
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The vehicle has extreme rust and corrosion. Car was service under the manufacturer recall on [XXX] 2020. The subframe crossmember has rusted so bad that it is a safety hazard. On my paperwork from the dealership it stated that anti-corrosion aerosol was applied with NOX RUST 712AM. It also stated that the recall passed inspection. How is that possible and it's falling apart. The dealership i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted with Roadside Assistance. Additionally, the contact stated that the Auto Stop/Start feature was intermittently inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the Auto Stop/Start feature was malfunct... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2020
Twice this has happened to me. Yesterday, I was driving on a local road, around 45 to 50 mph. Suddenly, many warning lights came on (see photos) including that power steering was reduced, electric parking brake system issue, and TPMS issue. The car felt heavy to drive, but I still had control. I pulled over and turned off the car. After a few minutes, I turned on the car, and the warnings were gon... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
known problem with ford eco boost engines. Coolant loss, engine overheating, loss of power and died. now $11000 to replace the engine.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
I had just filled up my truck with gas and started driving to work today and the truck went into limp mode. It flashed a low gear warning, then started to slowly stop, all of the system alarms went off, including the check engine light. There were so many pop-up's I can't recall them all. I was able to pull over and start slowing down before it engaged the emergency brake and I experienced a hard ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
I had just filled up my truck with gas and started driving to work today and the truck went into limp mode. It flashed a low gear warning, then started to slowly stop, all of the system alarms went off, including the check engine light. There were so many pop-up's I can't recall them all. I was able to pull over and start slowing down before it engaged the emergency brake and I experienced a hard ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
I was driving on the highway at 65 miles per hour and my 2017 Santa Fe began to decelerate. I tried pushing hard on my petal and it would not accelerate past 30 mph. I got off the highway as safely as I could. I heard a knocking sound while driving and the check engine light came on after my car experienced this problem.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
The car states the battery will not charge and cannot move the car. I connected it to a code reader with the following codes showing: P1E00 U2618 U2606 U2605 U2617 U2604
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
The car states the battery will not charge and cannot move the car. I connected it to a code reader with the following codes showing: P1E00 U2618 U2606 U2605 U2617 U2604
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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. ... 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: 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: 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 15, 2024
I took my vehicle into dealer because the steering was not smooth. It appeared to be hanging up and at times difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The problem was diagnosed by the dealer as being “internal” to the steering rack. The vehicle only has 26,000 miles on it. A search of recalls was completed on the vehicle and two recalls were completed for “corrosion” to the steering bo... 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: Apr 1, 2024
The door check system on the door assembly of my Ford Escape is attached to the body by three spot welds. These welds have come off and now it's not possible to lower the window. I was in a situation where I had to open the door to adjust my mirror on the road, this is very unsafe and can lead to accidents.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
My Kia motor was ordered Kia gave me a hard time to rent me a car. I went 2 months with NO Transportation. Finally I got my car back and every 3 weeks different lights are coming on. Seat belt is now own O2 sensors had to be changed Now Cadillac Converter Light is on. I didn't know that getting a new motor I would have to keep spending money that I don't have. Kia should be responsible fo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Open highway traveling 50+ mph, changing lanes from middle to right. Car's emergency brakes turned on and slowed me down abruptly for about 1 full second. Thankfully no on was behind me and no one was hurt. I have had this car for 6 months and this has happened 2 other times.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the temperature and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced and that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. Th... Read more
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
Car acted like it was overheating. It broke down on the road and did not turn back on. Due to it being broke down on the road the vehicle was towed and now I have an outstanding fee to get it out of impound.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
Tire pressure sensor keeps coming on and says it is faulty. The driver side window will not completely roll down( we have done a reset and it will only work once or twice). With the radio it will sometimes not work(we have done a soft reset and it will work a few times and then stop). The last thing the heat shield that is underneath the truck had a recall we got it repaired and since it hangs do... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
The manufacturer is taking an unreasonably long time to remedy the situation affected by this recall. There has been virtually no communication, and their customer service isn't even aware of the issue unless reminded of it. I bought this car to be able to save on gas, and for the past year, I've pretty much been driving a regular hybrid that I have to pay extra to register because it's a partial ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
While driving a message came across the dash to "service charging system" and then a second message appeared that said "speeds limited" and the vehicle slowed to 44mph entirely out of my control.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
Dealership still cannot pinpoint exactly what is wrong but the car does not start. One time it’ll start and the next it won’t. It’s actually left me stranded in the cold because that seems to be the only time it won’t start. It’s happened to many other grand caravan owners too. No mechanic I’ve taken it to can solve the problem I’ve spent so much money replacing parts on this car.
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