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: Jun 2, 2023
Hi , My wife and I purchased a 2021 Venture Stratus in December 2020 from Stoltfus RV located at 1335 Wilmington PikeWest Chester, PA 19382. Since our purchase, we have traveled from our home in Wilmington, De. to Cave Creek, Az 3 times (and return),Wilmington, De. to Mebane, N.C. 2 times (and return) and Wilmington , De. to Cincinnati, Ohio once (and return). The total number of miles traveled is... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V735000 (Back Over Prevention) 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 not made aware of the issue. The cont... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2017) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Jun 8, 2023
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
I’ve been complaining about my mcu1 glitching, freezing and my rear view camera not working since June 2022. I also filing a complaint because I have the fsd package on my 2016 mcu1 car and that has not been delivered after a 6 year wait. They released fsd to the mcu1 platform. But less than 50 cars got it and that very software got recalled. They have fixed every other platform but mcu1 since. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and sometimes sputtered before accelerating. The contact stated that there was water inside the spare tire wheel well. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Diesel). D... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Backup camera, side blind-spot warning and park assistant failed due to inoperative DC/DC converter. All failed items safety related. Dealer service tech confirmed problem and cause. This system has been a subject of recalls on previous model years. Warning system on dashboard indicated failure of these systems.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
My truck has 32850 miles on it. This is the third time my ABS and EBC lights have begun flashing. My HPU and brake control module must be replaced again. Ram needs to be sued.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
My GTI currently needs a new steering wheel per my dealership. However VW is unable to provide any new steering wheels or get me into a safe car. My car started having an issue around 2 months ago where I will get random cruise control, emergency braking and other safety related system errors. When this happens, it dings, disables anll buttons on the steering wheel and abruptly shuts off all safet... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The display on our 2022 Lincoln Aviator failed, again. It had been repaired by the dealer with a new rear camera. It failed to show the backup view, again, and also that display shows the controls for defrost and other safety features. It was a rainy day, so, we were without a display screen showing the backup camera AND could not turn on our defroster as it is located on that dark screen, also. ... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
E brake will not disengage.
Incident date: May 22, 2023
E brake will not disengage.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
This has happened several times, when cruise control is activated like 1/50 times the car will go into limp mode randomly with the brakes activating at speed. This makes it very difficult to steer and has led to me almost getting hit. I have stopped using cruise control and the problem has not happened since
Incident date: Jun 6, 2020
Trailer brake system warning has been flashing non stop for 2 weeks. I do not use or tow anything with this vehicle. Usually it locks up the steering wheel while parking my truck and shuts down the engine. Yesterday I was going 55 on the highway and the warning came on and it shut down the truck tried to put the vehicle in park and rapidly applied the breaks then the truck electrical system came b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at approximately 25-30 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted without warning. The contact then stated that he heard an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
- Back left axle went loose with the back left wheel while driving, causing the car to rotate 45 degrees, scratching the ground. Once the car drifted back horizontally, I used the brakes to stop the car. Multiple pictures show the defect. Back left lights where the axle went off and the wheel is not broken, showing no collision. Liquid escaped from the bottom. Available for inspection and photos a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the rear pinion nut detached. The contact stated that the rear end of the vehicle was seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
This car has less than 60,000 miles on it. One night a few weeks ago the engine died on the freeway leaving my step-daughter stranded on a dangerous freeway. We towed it to Kia where they said the engine was blown but this particular VIN was not part of the major recalls for bad engines. They want $13,000 to put in a new engine! We don’t have the money, and my step-daughter is under 25 so can’... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2023
Vehicle is 12 years old with 105,000 miles and frame has multiple cracks/ holes. I was told by the dealer that the truck is basically junk.
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2018) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 31, 2023
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
Lane keeping assistance does not prevent the vehicle from departing the lane nor does it provide corrective steering. LKA is fully activated and vehicle travelling over 45 mph on highway with clearly marked lanes; vehicle drifted across three lanes with zero corrective action from LKA.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
Unknown. But upon googling I’ve discovered a recall for ball joint separating from steering column due to bolt not tightened properly which explains the noise I’ve heard since I got It which has now progressed to popping even up exiting the vehicle and shutting the door. Yet, “0 unrepaired recalls” according to you.
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2014) — STRUCTURE
May 31, 2023
Incident date: Apr 22, 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 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 too... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
While driving, received alert that the brake fluid level was low. After further review and adding brake fluid, it appears to have the same symptoms of Safety Recall 20S31 where brake fluid is leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster but no physical evidence of a leak within the system The brake system would have basically failed with potential risks of an accident which would caus... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2022
The wire Harness in hatch where it meets in the boot wires break from using hatch 2010 to 2020 all models and can cause camera wiper brake lights reverse lights plate lights and tail lamps and unlock and lock button not to work on hatch the wires break from normal use on all models and it can cause a spark and start a fire
Incident date: May 21, 2023
It has been 21 months and I still have not received a new battery for this Chevy Bolt.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
It was raining and wipers were on. I was at a busy intersection at a red light. All of a sudden, the engine cut off and the dash read a message "Engine Stopped Steering Power Low" and then "Press brake firmly". Pressing the brake did nothing. The car would not start. When the light turned green, I had to just turn on my hazard lights to let the cars behind me know. It created a huge hazard fo... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2014) — SERVICE BRAKES
May 25, 2023
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Breaks went out while driving with my child in the vehicle, called local Ford dealer and they first tried to say it could be a few reasons other than the recall, but it is the Break line that's leaking, no indication light has came on in my vehicle ford will not accept the vehicle because there is no remedy this has not only put both our lives amongst many others on the road , my car is also fin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle was driving uncontrollably and was driving from side to side without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was aligned, but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and the contact was informed that the shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2014) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
May 24, 2023
Incident date: May 2, 2023
There is one spot on HWY 29 near me in Lake County CA where the car while driving on autopilot always sees an obstacle ahead and warns of an immediate collision. There is however, nothing in the road it is just the road dips down (a bit like a helter skelter) and the car does not recognize it. It is replicable and happens every time that highway is driven.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
My warning light stating a AWD malfunction has occurred has gone off 4 times, along with warnings for malfunctions in precollision assist and hill climb assist and the light has come on 4 times for each of these. When driving these lights come on and when the AWD malfunction light comes on the car drives very loose and I do not seem to have firm control over the steering and i feel like the car ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Driving on a busy street the car suddenly started to show a Hibrid system warning safety stop and do not drive and then the car slowed down on traffic scary situation since it was a busy road then another car pulled up and two guys help get it out of the road since the car would not start again. Our safety was at risk on the middle of the road and could possibly caused an accident. The problem sti... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (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 contact h... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2014) — VISIBILITY/WIPER
May 22, 2023
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
Bought 2022 Subaru with eyesight system October 2022. We have replaced this windshield 4 times. Once was 1 month old after backing out of garage in cold weather and it cracked spontaneously. Since then we replaced entire windshield in December 2022, Feb 2023, March 2023 and May 2023 Subaru reports windshield is now made from acoustic glass but are not holding up against normal use.
Incident date: May 21, 2023
excessive play/slop in steering and death wobble at highway speeds
Incident date: May 20, 2023
Braking. Yes, can be inspected upon request. Phantom braking for no apparent reason occurred at least 12 times in each direction on a long-distance trip on 2- and 4-lane roads on May 15 & 17 and also a trip in April, both in Autopilot and TACC modes, with nothing but the open road ahead, very little traffic, although a couple times when nearing the top of a hill. Driving at 70 mph on 2-lane roa... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
My 2022 Hyundai was broken into, in an attempt to steal it, due to the lack of immobilizers in these vehicles (and the viral videos that occurred due to Hyundai’s inability to resolve the issue). My window was smashed in, my ignition ruined, and the plastic panel under the steering wheel was ripped out. I filed a claim with my insurance company and a police report, but now I have to deal with in... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2022
When driving and using “autopilot” or just cruise control, the vehicle will randomly brake. Sometimes it brakes lightly, but sometimes it will violently slow the vehicle down, without warning. There is no obstacle in front of the vehicle. If another vehicle is behind the car when the car randomly brakes, this can potentially cause a rear-end event or potentially cause the car that is behind to... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Vehicle will not go over 40 MPH, struggles to pick up speed, has been in the shop on numerous occasions for the same issue.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Purchased car in January 2033. I noticed the radio failed to work so I took it in to the closest dealership on May 10th. Dealership said there was a problem with the navigation system and the car needed a software update. Also advised, the update would repair some other electrical and system issues as well. Was told on 5/17 update would not be available until the end of May and that my carcshould... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2017) — SERVICE BRAKES
May 17, 2023
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH as he was exiting a highway and slowing for a traffic signal at the bottom of the off-ramp his brakes failed to engage. The contact stated the brake pedal was stiff and he had attempted to use full leg force to depress the brake pedal. The contact's vehicle ran the traffic signal and the contact stated he ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 17, 2023
The paint is peeling off of the car. My safety is not at risk but this is a serious manufacturer defect. The defect has been confirmed by the dealer but they are now refusing to repair the paint. The pint has been inspected by auto repair shops and it is called delamination where the paint peels off the primer in sheets. There were no warnings but the paint began peeling in 2018.
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2017) — STEERING
May 17, 2023
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to drive out of a parking space, the power steering fault message was displayed on the instrument panel. The steering became difficult to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made a... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2017) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 17, 2023
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for an oil change and was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he took the vehicle back to the local dealer on May 3, 2023, for another oil change and was informed for a second time that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
My MKZ suddenly cut off without warning lamps or messages at highway speed. There was a very quick shudder and all power lost. After pulling onto the road shoulder and waiting a few minutes, it restarted and drove normally. I stopped about 15 minutes later and switched it off. When returning to the vehicle, it would not start. I had it towed to a garage where it has been for 6 weeks. They have bee... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
My MKZ suddenly cut off without warning lamps or messages at highway speed. There was a very quick shudder and all power lost. After pulling onto the road shoulder and waiting a few minutes, it restarted and drove normally. I stopped about 15 minutes later and switched it off. When returning to the vehicle, it would not start. I had it towed to a garage where it has been for 6 weeks. They have bee... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F53. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started shaking significantly, from side to side. As a result of the failure, the contact depressed the brake pedal to diminish the wobbling of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred without warning. The dealer was notified of the failure a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F53. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started shaking significantly, from side to side. As a result of the failure, the contact depressed the brake pedal to diminish the wobbling of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred without warning. The dealer was notified of the failure a... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2014) — AIR BAGS
May 17, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
On or about January 2023, I noticed the airbag light come on my vehicle's dashboard. I didn't notice anything else that may have suggested what was wrong or what caused the light to come on. On February 6, 2023, I took the car to a Ford dealership to be inspected (the car had less than 60,000 miles and was about 6 years old at the time). After an inspection, I was told that the "Restraint Contr... Read more
Crash
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2014) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 17, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
On or about January 2023, I noticed the airbag light come on my vehicle's dashboard. I didn't notice anything else that may have suggested what was wrong or what caused the light to come on. On February 6, 2023, I took the car to a Ford dealership to be inspected (the car had less than 60,000 miles and was about 6 years old at the time). After an inspection, I was told that the "Restraint Contr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 16, 2023
I bought my 2016 merecedes Benz c 300 4 matic with an engine light on . I took it the dealership and is the positive crankshaft failed . The crankshaft could reduce power on car . At 73000 mile the crankshaft should have not failed .
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2011) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 16, 2023
Incident date: May 12, 2023
We bought the van used. We were on a road trip and the speakers started crackling and popping. Also the audio will just cut off completely and can be fixed by turning off the power to the audio and turning it back on quick. It will work for a little bit but will cut out again. We tried different devices and different cords for the problem but it hasn't fixed the issue.
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2011) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 16, 2023
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Passenger seat heater heating element burned through foam cushions of bottom of seat. Contacting bottom steel seat support. Cabin filled with smoke and forced me to pull vehicle over on side of road. Smoke stopped after vehicle was turned off and seat was inspected. Visible burn on bottom of cushion. Wiring harness to seat unplugged to drive vehicle home.
Fire