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: Nov 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Hercules HTS-Terra-Trac, Tire Size 245/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front tire sidewall separated in the center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the failu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
The contact owned a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags) and later Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact had made several attempts to set up recall appointments, however, the dealer kept advising her that the parts were not available. The contact stated that while drivin... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 3, 2022
After getting an oil change and battery software update, I headed home. Before arriving home the warning light to service Power steering and traction control came on. Returned to dealer, they said the power steering needed to be calibrated. Left and before making it home power steering stopped working and warning lights returned. Dealer has stated the power steering gear needs to be replaced but b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2020
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and attempting to honk the horn, there was no sound coming from the horn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the steering column control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance bec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2020
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and attempting to honk the horn, there was no sound coming from the horn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the steering column control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance bec... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with her seat belt fastened, the front driver’s side seat belt loosened upon movement in the seat, without warning. The contact also stated that the seat belt failed to retract while attempting to unbuckle the seat belt. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
2018 LINCOLN MKZ. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO FAULTY FUEL PUMP. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE FAULTY FUEL PUMP.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
Vehicle would not start. Did not recognize key fob, phone app for engine start or the password.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while driving after the vehicle had been in idling for 4-5 minutes, there was an excessive amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was making abnormal rattling sounds while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle occasionally... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while his son was pulling up to a stop sign prior to pulling into oncoming traffic and noticed a dump truck speeding that lost control and eventually crashed into the passenger side door. No air bags deployed. The driver had received injuries to their shoulder, arm, and minor whiplash. No medical attention was needed. The driver of the t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
Went to the dealer for oil change & tire rotation. Service department told me they could not do the tire rotation due to the fact they could not remove the lug nuts. They wanted me to buy new lug nuts at a cost of $334.00. I declined, decided to research on my own to replace. Hopefully I don’t have to worry about a wheel falling off.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
Went to the dealer for oil change & tire rotation. Service department told me they could not do the tire rotation due to the fact they could not remove the lug nuts. They wanted me to buy new lug nuts at a cost of $334.00. I declined, decided to research on my own to replace. Hopefully I don’t have to worry about a wheel falling off.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and reversing into a parking space, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard and failed to stop the vehicle as needed. The contact stated the vehicle was stopped by the curb. The contact stated that the low brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she purchased... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2019
The brake booster went out, as well as the PTU
Incident date: Jan 6, 2019
The brake booster went out, as well as the PTU
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while she was unlocking the door, she noticed that the black plastic covering over the keyless entry pad located on the door frame was cracked. The contact stated that the keyless entry pad location on the passenger side had also begun to crack. The contact stated that the crack lines had spread and had the appearance of a spider web on ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated, and smoke was coming inside the cabin through the A/C vents. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the thermostat was replaced; however, the f... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated, and smoke was coming inside the cabin through the A/C vents. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the thermostat was replaced; however, the f... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated, and smoke was coming inside the cabin through the A/C vents. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the thermostat was replaced; however, the f... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
I purchased this vehicle less than 30 days. It had 29,257 miles. From day one, the vehicle came with no heating. When you push for heat, the cold AC blows. The part is in national back order. Secondly, when driving car at 20- 45 miles there is vibration, like a window is down when on a highway, but I'm driving in my neighborhood with all windows up. The vibration is unbearable. Thirdly and most im... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
I purchased this vehicle less than 30 days. It had 29,257 miles. From day one, the vehicle came with no heating. When you push for heat, the cold AC blows. The part is in national back order. Secondly, when driving car at 20- 45 miles there is vibration, like a window is down when on a highway, but I'm driving in my neighborhood with all windows up. The vibration is unbearable. Thirdly and most im... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
I purchased this vehicle less than 30 days. It had 29,257 miles. From day one, the vehicle came with no heating. When you push for heat, the cold AC blows. The part is in national back order. Secondly, when driving car at 20- 45 miles there is vibration, like a window is down when on a highway, but I'm driving in my neighborhood with all windows up. The vibration is unbearable. Thirdly and most im... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The brake fluid light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
1. THE MONITOR ON THE VEHICLE WENT BLACK ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS SO FAR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. THE SCREEN REBOOTED BUT CAUSES THE RETRACTABLE RUNNING BOARDS TO BE LOCKED IN THE UP POSITION. IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE RUNNING BOARDS YOU MUST GO INTO THE SETTINGS AND ADJUST THE RUNNING BOARDS FROM OFF TO AUTOMATIC. 2. DURING USE OF THE ACTIVE ASSIST, THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HAS JUST SUD... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
1. THE MONITOR ON THE VEHICLE WENT BLACK ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS SO FAR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. THE SCREEN REBOOTED BUT CAUSES THE RETRACTABLE RUNNING BOARDS TO BE LOCKED IN THE UP POSITION. IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE RUNNING BOARDS YOU MUST GO INTO THE SETTINGS AND ADJUST THE RUNNING BOARDS FROM OFF TO AUTOMATIC. 2. DURING USE OF THE ACTIVE ASSIST, THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HAS JUST SUD... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2022
On 10/20/2022 while driving the sun roof exploded. Nothing hit the roof. The glass shatter all around the perimeter of the roof. The sound was like a shot gun blast next to your ears. Fortunately, the shattering glass did not cause a wreck or injury. The Ford garages I called stated I would have to pay for the damage. It seems this is not an uncommon occurance.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2020
While accelerating approximate @ 30 mph, vehicle speed increased without assistance nearly plummeting into a body of water at a curve... exit 77 on I-95S MD. The car could not handled the curve at that rate of speed. Town Car had to be thrown into neutral and hard press brake pedal in order to stop. Safety issue could have been major accident or my death. I do not desire to reproduce a dangerous... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2020
While accelerating approximate @ 30 mph, vehicle speed increased without assistance nearly plummeting into a body of water at a curve... exit 77 on I-95S MD. The car could not handled the curve at that rate of speed. Town Car had to be thrown into neutral and hard press brake pedal in order to stop. Safety issue could have been major accident or my death. I do not desire to reproduce a dangerous... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2020
While accelerating approximate @ 30 mph, vehicle speed increased without assistance nearly plummeting into a body of water at a curve... exit 77 on I-95S MD. The car could not handled the curve at that rate of speed. Town Car had to be thrown into neutral and hard press brake pedal in order to stop. Safety issue could have been major accident or my death. I do not desire to reproduce a dangerous... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle cut her off. As a result, the contact’s wife abruptly depressed the brake pedal, but extra force had to be applied to stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS system was lea... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V346000 (Engine) 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. Parts distribution discon... Read more
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2021) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 24, 2022
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Corsair. The contact stated that upon charging the vehicle, the charging cord overheated. The contact stated that the blue led light on the charging cord indicated that the vehicle was charging and then turned red, indicating a charging fault. The contact stated that he then unplugged the charging cord from the wall and noticed that the plug that connected to the pl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side seat belt failed to unlatch from the buckle. The contact stated that he cut the seat belt with a pair of scissors he had nearby to release his son. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear passenger’s side seat belt to be replaced. The vehicle was not rep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
REAR END NOISES
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
Car frequently failed to stop timely when brakes were pressed. A HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT was advised and BRAKE BOOSTER to be installed.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that whenever the AC was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that whenever the AC was... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) — BACK OVER PREVENTION
Oct 19, 2022
Incident date: May 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Continental. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V6440000 (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 and manufacturer were not notified of the issue. The contact stated that while s... Read more
LINCOLN
MKS
(2015) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:UREA INJECTION SYSTEM (DEF)
Oct 18, 2022
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
The vehicle is exhausting leaked fluid through the vents inside cabin at 23,000 miles causing headaches and fatigue. The Power transfer unit does not allow for maintenance and has no drain plug. The unit seems to fail alot with Fords when looking online. It is dangerous for the driver to smell this inside the cabin.
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
The contact owned a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that fifteen minutes after she parked and turned off the vehicle in the driveway, her brother alerted her that the driver's side front seat had caught fire. The air bags were deployed. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The fire department determined that the cause of the fire was an electrical system f... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering intermittently failed to operate as needed, without warning. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that over the past year, she had replaced the battery on three separate occasions. The contact stated that on each occurrence, the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts and the vehicle had to be jumpstarted. The vehicle was started and driven to the dealer for the battery to be replaced. Recently, the contact was informed that th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2022
My car has been making a weird whistling noise for a few months. My husband found it was coming from the rear intake manifold hose. He started my car and next the car started smoking and he looked under the hood the nipple where the hose connected had broke off and there is a crack all the way down the intake manifold.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
There was a loud pop after I got gas. My car wouldn't stay running. I couldn't figure out what was going on. My husband looked under the hood and the spark plug still attached to the ignition coil had popped out of the engine. All of the screws holding the ignition coils had backed out.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
There was a loud pop after I got gas. My car wouldn't stay running. I couldn't figure out what was going on. My husband looked under the hood and the spark plug still attached to the ignition coil had popped out of the engine. All of the screws holding the ignition coils had backed out.
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2018) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 17, 2022
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving 15-20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
In early September the vehicle was completely without electrical power. My husband was able to jump start the car. We bought a new battery from AutoZone and it was installed by their technician. September 22, 2022 the same issue occurred and the car had to be jump started. I took the vehicle to the dealership who was able to find no cause of the failure. There were no warning lamps, messages ... Read more