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: Apr 14, 2024
I have noticed my steering wheel sticking consistently for the past year or so. I mostly notice this when driving on the highway at higher speeds. It requires a forceful tug in the right direction, which causes the car to jerk slightly.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
Hello, I am the original owner of my 2019 Buick Regal Sportback which shows a "shift to park message when I attempt to shut off the car and the car shifter is in the park position. I am unable to turn off lights, radio, or accessories. This condition runs down the battery and prevents me from starting the car as the shifter stays locked in position unless the car is running. This should be covered... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
Sticky steering at high speeds. Took to Honda dealer but they didn’t notice it. I notice it every time driving. Worried this could lead to steering failure
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
I am very concerned that my trucks Aisin transmission may fail while towing heavy loads at highway speeds as this seems to be an issue with my model year and month it was built.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The cylinder head and timing cover are leaking oil and need to be replaced. It is at the dealer and available for inspection. The car started smoking and lost oil obscuring my vision. The problem appears to be well known by the dealer and they were able to diagnose the issue. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealer where I purchased it. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symp... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
door lock actuators are failing, i cannot unlock or lock any door except for driver with key or buttons on the door.
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
All dashboard lights turned on and were orange during two separate instances. During both instances I went to brake and nothing happened. Eventually the brake finally engaged. On one of the instances the brakes took ~5 seconds to re-engage while coming to a traffic light stop. There were two pedestrians that I almost hit before they re-engaged.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V111000 (Visibility) and 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. An unknown local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was... 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
My vehicle was turning off without any warning, last oil change was in October 2023, and had the oil changed this month. Engine started making loud noises from top, and eventually louder knocking noises from below. We towed vehicle to the dealer where we purchased at Balise Hyundia in Springfield MA. The vehicle has 84,000 miles and we've always maintained it. There were no warning indicators that... Read more
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) - AIR BAGS
Apr 2, 2024
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500. In 2003, I noticed parts of the dash, starting to break apart. In 2004, I had a major head on collision, and the airbag, did NOT deploy. The damage was extensive, with bent frame. The damage was $17,000 in 2004. I was told by the Chrysler Dealership, that did the repairs, that they could not check the condition of the airbag wiring, because the dashboard was broken. I... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn at an intersection, the contact observed there was a vehicle coming towards the intersection at high speeds. The contact stated that the stop light was green, however, the contact stopped the vehicle, and the vehicle coming towards the contact, depressed the brake pedal causing the vehicle to swe... Read more
Crash
2 injured
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 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 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 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
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical box was melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximate... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the emissions warning light illuminated. In addition, the steering, the brakes, and the navigation features were all inoperable. The contact stated that a warning light illuminated with instructions to take the vehicle to the dealer for service immediately. Additionally, when the emissions warning light... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
On [XXX], my wife was driving to a local business here in Las Vegas, NV. Upon her arrival she proceeded to pull into a parking spot she slowed down to pull into the parking spot keeping her foot on the brake at all times when she reached the parking block she firmly pressed the brake to place the vehicle in park. While her foot is still on the brake the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed cau... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
My honda accord has 68,000 miles on it and the CVT transmission is failing. It's jerking, especially in low gears and rides rough. I've been doing some research on the CVT transmission and it's not good. I've been to two dealers a total of 4 times. Because the diagnostic does not register a problem, nor does engine light come on, I've been told transmission is fine..
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
While traveling on the highway at approximately 75mph the instrument cluster began to flash warnings, (Selected gear will be changed to when speed slows down, precollision assist not available, service engine soon) the accelerator pedal was unresponsive, and the vehicle began to slow. I parked the vehicle, shut the engine off, and restarted. upon restarting the vehicle would only move at approxima... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
I was driving on [XXX] where the speed limit varies from 65-75 MPH. I hit 70mph and randomly the truck jolted and dropped down to 40mph without warning. Cars swerved to avoid hitting me and I was shaken. I called the dealership who said there are no recalls and nothing to worry about, but call if it happens again. Two days later I was driving up to Pa from TN. 7 hours away from home and also on [X... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
The vehicle frequently loses power yet it is not consistent enough to determine a pattern. Sometimes I am simply backing out of my driveway, sometimes I am accelerating after a stop sign, sometimes I am accelerating while entering on the freeway, sometimes I am simply driving down the freeway. What is consistent are the symptoms. The vehicle loses power, like it’s running out of gas. I cannot ac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
Car has been giving me problems using oil going on 3 years. The Kia dealership keeps having me do different test and repair different stuff. Finally on Saturday March 16,2023 the car broke down right off exit of highway at the light. I was so scared and frustrated people were blowing horn. A man helped me after about 30 minutes get car off road onto shoulder. Had to have it towed to Kia. The did ... 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
This make an model has issues with the doors not opening, when they are unlocked and from time to time the windows will not open. These are both huge safety concerns. I have reported this to Hyundai and have a case number 2104500 which nothing has been done and I have heard nothing in over a year. This make and model need to be recalled for the door and window issues which are all over the inter... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
While traveling on the highway at 65 mph the car comes to a complete stop with no brakes applies. No engine light present nor were the emergency braking lights on. This is the 4th occurance.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
There a oil leak either engine cylinder crack or head gasket leak and the car only has 53000 miles when warranty just expires. After searching on the internet, there seems to be many similar cases. Mazda should recall this issue.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
[XXX] When I purchased this vehicle it had four miles on it and had just been also purchased on the 5 it appears from Mexico and brought here to Honda South in morrow ga . No information was told to me about the recall nor was it on or disclosed to me . Next day I download the apps for my car to use and immediately I was stopped with alerts for open unrepaired recalls . When the dealership was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
On [XXX], I was driving at 45MPH on a two-lane state road. There was no traffic within 1/4 -1/2 mile of me on that road. There were no guardrails and the road was clear - no birds, animals, people, or construction. For no reason, the car beeped twice and automatically slammed on the brakes so forceful that everything on a seat landed on the floor. Had there been a vehicle behind me, they would... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Nothing has failed currently, more so the system overreacts to EVERYTHING. Trucks nearby, swerve. Guardrails, center lanes, etc. it’s insanely inconsistent and I’m not surprised it’s caused accidents, the ACC and brake assist need to be fixed on these cars
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact immediately pulled to the side of the road, and she was able to stop the vehicle by shifting into park(P). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake booster had failed and needed to b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
Ever since delivery of our vehicle it would seem to have a hard shift between the electric and gas motor. Recently, we were driving one morning and noticed that when the gas engine kicked in, the RPM’s were much higher than usual. Later that day we received the “Stop Safely the Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon” message along with a check engine light. Shortly thereafter the vehicle went into limp ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start, and white exhaust smoke was coming from the vehicle. Also, the message "Coolant Low" was displayed although the coolant reservoir was full. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head gasket was faulty. The head gasket was replaced but the coolant message continued to d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
Transmission Failure/Windshield Wiper Failure- While traveling approximately 48mph, the vehicle completely locked up. Tires screeched, vehicle came to a grinding halt. Two of my children were in the vehicle (15yrs and 7yrs of age.) This was sudden and without warning! The vehicle almost rolled, and we were lucky that no vehicles were behind us or we would have been rearended. At that time, we ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
Transmission Failure/Windshield Wiper Failure- While traveling approximately 48mph, the vehicle completely locked up. Tires screeched, vehicle came to a grinding halt. Two of my children were in the vehicle (15yrs and 7yrs of age.) This was sudden and without warning! The vehicle almost rolled, and we were lucky that no vehicles were behind us or we would have been rearended. At that time, we ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The rear parking sensors (all of them) stopped working. Whenever the vehicle is placed in reverse a warning message is displayed on the dash. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealer and it turns out a wire was damaged in the rear wiring loom. This was most likely due to physical damage from something hitting the wiring loom behind the right rear tire. It seems that this is poor placement/protec... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission inadvertently shifted into neutral(N). No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
Driving on the freeway and lost gas engine power. Had to coast across several lanes of traffic without propulsion to get the the shoulder. Shut off the vehicle and restarted and it has worked fine for the past couple of months.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
Auto Emergency Breaking & Forward Collision Warning: Yes it available for inspection ASAP My safety was risk, while driving on the freeway I was staying in my lane driving and all of a sudden it said Forward Collision: warning when passing a vehicle that was driving in the next lane to the right , then immediately the auto emergency brakes turned on and once it did that I had trouble with ste... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
On several occasions the brakes were applied in a forceful manner for no apparent reason including one time when I was making a right turn and almost got rear ended by the vehicle behind me when I came to a forced stop
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
I have twice experienced a sudden acceleration when decreasing pressure on the accelerator pedal. It felt like the motor was producing full power. In both cases, I was able to quickly apply the brake which stopped the acceleration. Both episodes happened at slow speed, less than 20 mph, while either starting to slow for a stop or making a turn. Software on the car is fully up to date as of Febr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2018
Bridgestone Ecopia P255/45R22. Safety Concern for these tires, all 4 on my vehicle. Unable to control my vehicle at any speed above 25mph with these tires due to hydroplaning in any precipitation on roadway such as rain. Currently own a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE and a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL both equipped with these tires and absolutely cannot safely drive these vehicles when it rains in ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
I received a recall notice in December 2023 and took my car to the dealership (Northside Honda in San Antonio, TX) the following week on [XXX]. I was told parts weren’t available yet and to wait “a couple months” before trying again. I scheduled another appointment with the dealership on [XXX], but was again told it’ll be “a couple months” before parts are available. I’m now schedule... Read more