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
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2023) - STEERING
Jul 12, 2023
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at slow speeds, the steering wheel was firm while turning. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01 (EPAS Steering Efforts) had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of t... Read more
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2023) - TIRES
Jul 12, 2023
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Alenza, Tire Size: 235/55/R19, DOT Number: 2761004ES. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact experienced a front driver’s side tire blowout. Upon inspection, the sidewall of the tire had separated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer ... Read more
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2023) - TIRES
Jul 12, 2023
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Alenza, Tire Size: 235/55/R19, DOT Number: 2761004ES. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact experienced a front driver’s side tire blowout. Upon inspection, the sidewall of the tire had separated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The Radio would not keep stations and eventually was almost always static. I took it to the Ford dealership that I purchased from since it is supposed to have a full warranty. They are now saying that it has water leaking in from the roof and it has damaged the OEM (?) system. They don't know if Ford will cover under warranty so I now sit with no vehicle as they wait for a decision. When and if it... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Driver side passenger sliding door shut on my elbow.
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
My 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer is about 3 months old and it’s been making squeaky noises when I break. The squeaky sound is getting worse over time and I have an appointment scheduled with Chevrolet to get this resolved. My concern is a 2022 recall on this same vehicle due to the break system. Therefore, I am reporting this for the year or 2023 because my car is brand new and making screech noise... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2014) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 11, 2023
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
When the vehicle is shifted (manual transmission) from any gear into park, and the vehicle is turned off, the "Shift into Park" warning appears. I verified it was in the park. Warning stays on from 1-5 minutes, leaving all outside marker and headlights on until the sensor engages and the vehicle returns to proper state (outside marker and headlights shut off and interior dome light turns on for ex... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
Dashboard pad cover is wrinkling and detaching from the dashboard top. The area most effected is on the passenger side. The covering has detached about 2 inches away from the windshield and has detached from the air vent cover. The detachment has caused the air vent cover to rise. The air vent cover is no longer flush with the top of the dashboard. While driving, the distortion in the dashboard pa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed on the instrument panel to “Service Rear Axle”. The contact then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V571000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear toe link adjuster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
While driving slowly less than 5 MPH into parking stall the vehicle accelerated excessively while trying to brake the vehicle it continued to accelerate and jumped the curb while I was still pumping the brakes to try to get it to stop and the car finally stopped after hitting the front of the establishment building. No collision warning went off at this time as well. I checked the mats to see if... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
I received a random RCM_a056 safety alert message on my 2018 Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Service Center requires the following repairs: 1) replace front passenger airbag and update vehicle configuration and 2) retrofit SBR in OCS equipped front passenger seat. My vehicle has over 110,00 miles on it, so I am past the Supplemental Restraint System warranty period of 5 years or 60,000 miles. The co... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Hello I am proudly owner of honda since 2003 i only buy honda cars and recently on my 2017 honda we have issues with sensing system this error codes come and goes and i went to dealer and they told me to replace sensing Camara in front but I think it is just manufacturing defects because error code come and goes while you drive car. I cannot use any feature such as cruise control, forwarding colli... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
The contact owned a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while exiting the highway, the contact lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree, causing several damages to the front of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy, causing several injuries to the contact's right eye, cuts, and bruises to the left side of the contact's body. The contact sought medical attention. A police report was file... Read more
Crash
1 injured
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2020) - LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Jul 6, 2023
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The engine has a hesitation at take off. It happens every morning and throughout the day. At a stop light it will hesitate on take off also when leaving a stop sign. Safety is out at risk as the vehicle will hesitate when trying to turn when on coming traffic is approaching. The issue was reproduced bye VW of Ft Myers Florida here is the conversation Me Did they notice a hesitation in the mor... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift out of first gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the TCM; however, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced due to extreme internal damage. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Sunroof shattered and exploded while driving
1 injured
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2023) - WHEELS
Jul 6, 2023
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
I bought a Discovery Sports SUV from West Columbia Land Rover Dealership located at 12500 New Car Drive, Clarksville, Maryland 21029- USA. In May of 2019 when I bought it the odometer reading was 023984 miles, as of now over 4+years since I bought it the odometer reading is just about 40K. I was told by the salesperson [XXX] that the car has gone through 400-point inspection, and it is as good a... Read more
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2023
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an ... Read more
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jul 6, 2023
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2022
Cracked windshield. Full length. No apparent or known impact.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The stated while driving into the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the brake pedal became spongy. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a trail of fluid in the driveway. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, he noticed that the brake line had fractured, and brake fluid was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The chrome colored plastic strip that runs along the dash reflects the sun into your eyes and is blinding. Sometimes I have to drive with my hand blocking the beams of light because it’s that blinding. This happens mostly in the summer but has happened in other seasons. I was going to paint it or put stickers on it to block it although my car is a rental and don’t want to void anything so ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
My Hyundai keeps jumping out of gear it's like the tray is sliding but it don't have one
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
I want to express my genuine concern regarding a recent incident involving my daughter's 2022 Honda Civic Sport. On July 4th, while driving her car after a brief rain, she encountered standing water that had pooled along the side of the road. Unexpectedly, the car pulled to the right, and despite her best efforts to steer away, she couldn't as the steering wheel was locked. The loss of control res... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift gear as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
First time driving the vehicle in the rain at 55mph the wiper motor was turned on to high continuous during heavy down pour. After about 30 seconds the wipers just quit and started wiping on the lowest intermittent setting. Rain was hard enough I couldn’t see the road lines without the wipers and ran off the road. Had to greatly slow down 30mph to see clear enough to move forward while having o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after reaching 100,000 miles, the vehicle started consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Upon observing oil consumption, the contact stated that he had to add 1-quart of engine oil every 700 miles. The contact stated that previously the vehicle was receiving an oil change every 5,000 miles. The low oil warning light would illumi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My car caught on fire while I was driving it. I was put at risk of burning, and being struck by other vehicles as I exited the burning car. Warning lamps came on just as another motorist alerted me to flames coming out of my car. Fire Department and Highway Patrol responded. Police report was filed. Insurance has looked at the car and declared it a total loss. Engine was replaced 7 months ago, u... Read more
Fire
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Jul 3, 2023
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
The passenger Occupant Classification System is malfunctioning. The weight sensor under the passenger side is no longer detecting an adult sitting in the passenger seat. This part is able to be fixed but costs 8,000-9,000 to replace the whole seat and the sensor. The safety of anyone sitting in my car is at risk, with the airbag light on because the sensor malfunctioned the air bags will no longer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
Key ignition locked, key would not turn and steering wheel locked while driving. Previously checked by Auto nation hyundai in Savannah, GA. They could not get it to lock up. Drove a few weeks and it locked up again while driving and would not unlock. Hyundai could not get it unlocked or the key to turn. Advised this is a major expense. Needs a new steering column and new ignition. This was extre... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while reversing, there was an abnormal sound coming from the brakes. The contact was unsure if there was any warning light illuminated. Once the contact shifted the vehicle into drive(D) the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the brakes were operating as designed. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The Rear Self Leveling shock absorbers are making a clunking noise and appear to have failed. Very stiff suspension which causes handling problems. Kia dealers are unresponsive in fixing this issue.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
We have had many GM vehicles my husband worked at GM retired now. Our complaint is we have a GMC Denali 2017 only 79000 miles on it. All upto date changes regularly all. Other like Transmission oil changed all upkeep to date. Transmission needs rebuilt. We are in our 80’s And don’t beat up our cars. Replace or rebuild transmission 3500 to 4500 bucks. That is a lot of money for us. No lon... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2023
Earlier this year vehicle would sometimes do the following, not at start up but when driving; Wipers on by themselves & driver can't shut off, turn signals inop, Both sides blind spot warning continously on alerting driver every time a vehicle on either side is passed or passes vehicle, anywhere from three to five dash warning lights illuminated. Took to dealer in April 2023 & diagnosed a bad can... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
Months ago I was driving, my 2020 traverse I hit the brakes and I heard a weird grinding noise & my car started wobbling, I figured I needed my brakes pads changed, I took it to Waldorf Chevy they looked at the brakes and told me everything was good I didn’t need pads and everything was ok, they said sometimes the pads get dust on them causing them to squeak, and wobble, i had the front pads rep... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
I am concerned of the blind spot created by the size of the right and left support structures on either end of windshield. They also have a grab handle attached to them increasing the size. When at a stop and looking for cross traffic they create a blind spot of approaching vehicles. I believe this was why I thought no traffic was approaching when i entered roadway and then saw a vehicle app... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Manufacture is not offering any solution or remedy. They’re also not offering replacement transportation. This is not only a safety issue for everyone, but I am very pregnant and my belly is right in the airbag. It’s unacceptable this is not being corrected or replacement transportation offered.
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2017) - STEERING
Jun 28, 2023
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
I was on a freeway going 75. A guy came across three lanes and cut in front of me going 60. I got the brakes hard and then went around him accelerating sharply and swerved hard in front of him. At that point the car steered itself back and forth for our five times. I was finally able to regain control once it slowed down enough, and continued on my drive. I’m guessing that some accident-avoidan... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
This car is using a quart to quart and a half of oil every thousand miles!
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
I'm getting wheel sensor errors and the vehicle goes into limp mode and disables the cruise control, even after replacing the sensors. Very frustrated with this dangerous situation!
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Driving and hit bump in road. At that time the front-end felt like it was coming out from under the truck. Almost caused a wreak but was able to stop. Found no issues but did it again when next bump was hit. WS told it is a know issue with what is called the death wobble. How are you allowed to sell a truck with a death wobble
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
Component - Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Safety - caused a vehicle skid and loss of control Inspection - it is scheduled to go in to the dealer today Warnings - the dash messages "Trailer Brakes Connected" and "Trailers Brakes Disconnected" displays often when a trailer is connected, as frequently as several times per minute. I believe that NHTSA and GM are aware of issues with the traile... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, fuel pipe exhaust causing fumes to come through the vent area causing fire and smoke. accelerator assembly issues when driving
Fire
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
2018 Ram 2500, ABS and traction control lights cycle of and on resulting in chiming. The result of the effected system is handling and drivability in hazardous weather conditions and snow. When not illuminated Cruise control can be used but will be disengaged once the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminate resulting in the need to respond to a decelerating vehicle. An independent s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
Sirius radio ads showing up while driving interfering with media console and acting as a distraction hazard. Intentional design flaw. The ad specifically shows up while the car is in motion, not when parked. I have explicitly non-consented these ads due to their hazard and they persist.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, fuel pipe exhaust causing fumes to come through the vent area causing fire and smoke. accelerator assembly issues when driving
Fire
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
Purchased 1 Feb 23. 3 weeks later, I pulled out of driveway and drove 3 blocks before coming to stop sign, After stopping, I proceeded to pull across 4 lane hwy. Only to have vehicle shut off in middle of 2 lanes. I was left sitting broadside in middle of 2 lanes. I finally realized the drivers door was ajar, I closed door completely and was able to restart vehicle. It is Now June 2023 and it ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Vehicle will go into limp mode as if the throttle body is not working properly. I have to coast to the side of the road ,turn off engine and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before restarting.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I am like many other Mercedes GLE 450 owners, having breakdowns related to the "48V and 12V" battery malfunction issue that Mercedes has been dealing with for the last couple of years. My brand new car (less than 4,000 miles) has broken down twice, leaving me stranded with no power waiting on a flat bed tow to a dealership. The vehicle gives warning messages about the 48V and 12V batteries and t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but n... Read more