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: Feb 6, 2023
I was entering I 24 east toward Nashville on March 3 2024 @5p. As car entered the freeway. The engine stopped. Engine light turned on pulled over on shoulder. Put in park and tried to start but would not turn over. There was still full battery power according to dash board. I had two minor incidents two weeks prior. Entering store parking lots. Engine died a low speed . 5-10 miles an hour. Vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
Passenger headrest separated -- turns out it is called "Active Head Restraint" -- I did not know it was even there! The vehicle was not involved in an accident or rear ended (as I understand activates this). Nobody was injured and in fact nobody was in the vehicle when it went off. This happened a few months ago and thought it was just a broken headrest and I would have to fix it. Upon investigati... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
Windshield wipers slow down when driving in rain/snow. Even on the highest setting, they start to slow down after a few minutes and you have to toggle them off and on again to get them back to normal speed.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
I was driving my van and the dash board turns on and off several times. It starts to light all lights while I'm driving. It was a scary situation while im driving my vans brakes while I'm in the freeway. This has happened several times. I also had my vehicle not turn on at all It stays locked and the dash boards says come error code. My vehicle jerks randomly and feels its gonna shut off. Had to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
I was driving my van and the dash board turns on and off several times. It starts to light all lights while I'm driving. It was a scary situation while im driving my vans brakes while I'm in the freeway. This has happened several times. I also had my vehicle not turn on at all It stays locked and the dash boards says come error code. My vehicle jerks randomly and feels its gonna shut off. Had to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
In September 2022, we noticed a noise coming from under the car hood. Sounded like a thump as we accelerated. We took it to the Hyundai’s service department and was told that they couldn’t hear anything or find a problem. They changed my oil. We continued to hear a noise but thought it wasn’t a concern. In February, a fairly new tire went flat and we returned to the Hyundai service departmen... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the brake failure warning light illuminated. Additionally, the doors locked independently, and the windows independently rolled down. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal; however, the brake pedal was extremely firm. The contact was able to stop the vehicle on the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
Car begin smoking out of the back took car to dealership car oil was low. Car dealership refilled oil and told me to come back after driving 1000 miles. Car began smoking again like it was going to catch on fire took car in was told the turbo boost failed. Dealership mention that the turbo boost was previously repaired and under warranty so they repaired it. Car started smoking again I took car to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
While driving in the one pedal driving mode (“iPedal”), it is possible to rapidly slow the vehicle while keeping the accelerator pedal slightly depressed, which is the expected result for this regenerative braking mode. While rapidly decelerating in this mode, however, the brake lights do not illuminate while the accelerator pedal is slightly depressed. Even though regenerative braking is act... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
After opening my hood to check the engine oil, the main hood latch would not engage, to keep the hood down, the only thing holding the hood is secondary latch. I was over at my uncle's house when this happened and could not take the freeway home fearing that the hood might pop up while driving at a higher speed than on the city streets. When I got home, I got on my computer, and found that NIssan ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
The vehicle liftgate no longer properly latches and has opened suddenly. The interior audible warning sound continuously alerts and the interior lights sometimes fail to turn-off. The 'Liftgate Ajar' warning light remains on. This problem seems similar to the recall on 2011 Lincoln MKX.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
My touch screen that controls the radio- heated seats-climate-maps and phone is delaminating and ghost pressing everything. It changes my maps causing a huge safety issue my heated seats the radio etc. I have no control over what is being pressed at this point.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
Vehicle began jerking and just stopped in middle of the road
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
NOTE: Toyota has confirmed this issue, but is unable to resolve this. When the SOS button is pressed, the DCM module is supposed to send the proper VIN number and location to the call center. The call center does not receive the proper VIN number and pulls up the wrong person / location. In my case, if an emergency occurred, they would send emergency assistance to a vehicle located in another stat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
No vehicle warning as it became engulfed in flames. Fire started from under the hood.
Fire
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
Second time in a week, less than 300 miles, instrument cluster screen went black, no power.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
I have two major concerns 1) When I drive in the snow and engage "traction control" the brakes stop working properly - to the point that I had to stomp on the pedal with both feet to get them to kick in. It was truly terrifying. Another friend with a 2023 model X3 experienced the exact same thing. No warning signs appeared and my car only has 9000 miles. This just happened so I have no complained ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
The car got on fire while being parked and turned off.
Fire
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
I currently drive a 2022 Nissan Rogue SV, purchased in New Braunfels, Texas. When traveling downhill, when applying the brakes the engine studders. I brought it to the dealership to have it checked out, after inspecting multiple points on the vehicle including the brakes, transmission, alignment no such issue was identified as the cause. The technician test drove the vehicle, able to recreate the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle began to make an abnormal sound and shuddered. The contact turned the vehicle off and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Driving 70mph on the highway, car abruptly clunked and three warning messages appeared. APP_W009 Automatic Emergency Braking is disabled; DIF_A062 Power reduced; and BMS_a170 Acceleration and top speed recuded. Car immediately dropped to 40mph and gave me enough time to exit the freeway to the shoulder. After putting in park, the car would no longer shift into any gear. Soft reset and full reset,... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
I have a 2022 Ford Bronco with a manual transmission. My Bronco was recently in the shop from 12.22.22-01.23.24 for service on the transmission due to the grinding noise I was hearing. Dealer notes- "Cause 7107 222371A 2021-2022 Bronco Manual Transmission: Replace the 5th and 6th Gear Synchronizer Rings, Includes Time To Remove And Install The Transmission". It's now 2.25.23 and I have an appoin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
2016 BMW X5. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEF TRANSFER PUMP REPAIR.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Driving car when suddenly all the dash lights came on and car started sputtering. Pulled over to side of road where car completely died. Could not restart with jump. Towed to mechanic where he informed me the engine appears to be ruined. Maintain regular oil changes since purchasing car in 2020.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
Tailgate proximity sensor failed.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
Brand new Atlas has the worst brake pads/rotors! Screech & squeal incessantly in reverse and when braking. Dealer has said this is "normal" and is not under warranty. Drive to and from work every day and this happens each time within the first 10 minutes of starting the car.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering rack and pinion; the pinion gear and housing broke free from the rack housing. I have the component available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle was barely controllable. Turned steering wheel up to 180 degrees back and forth to maintain s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
hello: i purchased this vehicle last nov. the rear hatch was opening fine," but after a couple of months it has stopped and the only way to open it," is from the lever on the inside. you have to use a screw driver or prying tool of some sort to remove the cover in order to get to the lever and you have to lay the back seats down and crawl back there to get to this. i've spoken to other owners who ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
hello: i purchased this vehicle last nov. the rear hatch was opening fine," but after a couple of months it has stopped and the only way to open it," is from the lever on the inside. you have to use a screw driver or prying tool of some sort to remove the cover in order to get to the lever and you have to lay the back seats down and crawl back there to get to this. i've spoken to other owners who ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The major problem occurred right after purchase as check engine light came on. The dealership was no help and refused to take vehicle back. The vehicle is nice looking but the mechanical is a lemon. I purchased this in 2020 and paid $24000. It’s a 2016 Lincoln mkx. I repaired problems and due to covid and my lifestyle I rarely traveled. I have more medical issues and require more frequent doctor... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
While driving my power steering goes out and I have to stop the truck and turn it off and restart it and it reset. Has done this several times and I’m scared I’m going to kill my self or someone else. Lights on dash says check steering .
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that there was water intrusion into the passenger’s side taillight. The contact was made aware of TSB: 22-NA-170 and related the failures to the battery and taillight. The contact made a local dea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
Traveling toll road /fwy at approx 70mph at rush hour and lost all power with Check engine light , emergency brake, lurching engine, all flashing at the same time!!! Coasted through 4 fwy lanes to offramp and service station- extreme danger!!! How was there no pile up with me going from 70-10 to coasting on a busy 15 Northbound fwy at 7:30 am?????? Was in toll lane and crossed toll 3 foot sticks ... Read more
LINCOLN
MKS
(2012) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Feb 13, 2023
Incident date: Jan 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replace... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
Rear window seal is leaking which cracked the window frame allowing water to enter behind rear seat leaking onto the wireless control Module making it in operable. The vehicle would not start. This will become a safety issue when driving down the highway/local areas and you loose the module it shuts down the car no power at all. Power steering goes down breaks become more difficult to push. Chrysl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
I believe the General Motors Video Display Module Digitizer has a design flaw that affects vehicle safety. This is the appliance in the center of the dashboard to the right side of the driver controlling audio and clock operations. It is a large touch screen. Also, the instrument cluster located over the steering wheel is affected. This is the digital display that reports vehicle velocity, tire pr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Auto stutters in lower gears at lower speeds like transmission is skipping.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
2019 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 23V-010. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL UPDATING THE PIM SOFTWARE UPDATE OPPOSED TO REPAIRING THE WIRE HARNESS IS UNSATISFACTORY.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
During Virginia State Vehicle Safety Inspection in January 2023, the inspector noted a problem with severe rust in the rear Cross-Member (part 28-800A). The rear Cross-Member is severely rusted and crumbling at fastening and stress points. The driver side (left side) of the cross-member that secures the top of the (left) coil spring is so deteriorated that the left stopper (28-111B) became unattac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
MY check engine light has come on and the code is P052E71 stating Crankcase Ventilation Valve has a malfunction
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
The frame has been compromised due to rust. The frame rusted from the inside out because the frame was not properly engineered from the factory. There are no weep holes at the lowest point on the frame. This causes water to sit in the frame and rust from the inside out. The rust appears without warning. This is an extremely dangerous because the frame can break without warning and cause loss ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
Have owned the vehicle for 6 months. In that time the vehicle has applied braking by itself more than 10 times when there has been no reason (no car in front, no debris in road, no adverse weather, nothing but clear pavement), . Happens on low speed roads (35 mph) and also on highway speeds. Have been lucky not to be rear ended or cause another type of accident due to drivers avoiding the my ca... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
Fuel pump noise near gas tank. Abnormally loud. Intermittently
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
I have driven multiple times in the rain and when using the wipers, they slow down almost to a crawl impairing visibility. It doesn't matter what setting they are on, they slow down to the point that I am unable to see. I have to manually restart the wiping process each time, but the problem persists. It happens on all settings. It gets to the point that I don't feel safe driving it sometimes.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
My son was driving down the road and the engine just quit running. Had it towed over 200 miles.Our mechanic looked at it and said that the timing chain had broke.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
The car lost all motive power on 3 separate occasions on Saturday, Feb 4, 2023. The car is currently at the dealership and we've been told the transmission needs to be replaced. Our family's safety was put at risk as well as the drivers around us. We easily could have be rear ended when when we were on the freeway and lost the ability to accelerate. When we lost power each time we had to navig... Read more
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2022) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Feb 6, 2023
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
camera did not detect parked vehicle when backing out of driveway no warning before collision with parked vehicle
Crash
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2022) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Feb 6, 2023
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
Travel Assist (ACC)light and emergency braking systems are turning off and on repeatedly and intermittently. This happened 5 or 6 times on my 15-minute drive to work a few weeks back. I heavily rely on these safety systems so the vehicle is much more unsafe when those systems are inactive, not to mention the annoyance or dinging when the system deactivates which takes my focus off the road. The ve... Read more
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2022) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Feb 6, 2023
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
Travel Assist (ACC)light and emergency braking systems are turning off and on repeatedly and intermittently. This happened 5 or 6 times on my 15-minute drive to work a few weeks back. I heavily rely on these safety systems so the vehicle is much more unsafe when those systems are inactive, not to mention the annoyance or dinging when the system deactivates which takes my focus off the road. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
Passenger side curtain air bag deployed and failed to inflate.
Crash