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: Mar 25, 2021
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (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 dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and within 1-2 minutes he was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and within 1-2 minutes he was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
We have swollen lug nuts on our vehicle. We are unable to rotate our tires and our service technician states they all need to be replaced. They state the "outer shell is swelling". The vehicle is available for inspection. This is a safety concern since the lug nuts can break. No warning lamps or messages are shown. These were professional inspected by a trained technician at Chapel Hill Tire l... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
Turning signals don't work. I bought this used 2008 Lincoln Navigator with the written text on my phone that said the used car lot took the vehicle to their mechanic and he said he had fixed the problem. I called him (the mechanic) upset and said the used car lot said he fixed the problem. He said he didn't say that; the signals could not be fixed without certain parts (computer parts) that are... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The contact stated the braking distance was extended due to the failure. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated that the failure was caused by the front driver’s side brake rubber ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2020
Complaint Lincoln 2009 MKZ air vent grid on dash board broke in various places and collapse also, it appears the dash board in front of air vent grid is raised. Causing the defroster to not work properly and the window shield does not clear properly. I was told to fix the problem the whole dash board needs to be replaced. I see this as a design and manufacturer defect and that Lincoln should repa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
Vehicle year is listed as recalled under NHTSA recall 15V005 but not included based on production date. After starting vehicle and navigating into moving traffic, vehicle exhibited identical symptoms (stopping unexpectedly while in motion, no force to gas pedal, slowing to a stop/locking up as if in acc mode). Check engine light illuminated, vehicle restarts after full shut down and drives. Upo... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2015) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mar 8, 2022
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
The fuel tank needs replacement due to a crack in the fuel tank is causing fumes in the vehicle. Exactly like the recall of 2005 Lincoln LS, that the dealership cannot find because it is more than 15 years.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2022
I took my Lincoln to a Ford dealership regarding water in my trunk. The technician said it was the factory wields off the assembly line that have failed. Lincoln said they would not cover the repair due to not enough complaints on model and car was over any warranties. I returned the vehicle to the same dealership to get the repair. I was told it was not the wields, but the trunk lid. I paid for a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repair were 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 awar... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repair were 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 awar... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2022
My backup camera still turns blue. I have had the recall done to fix the issue but it still happens occasionally. Seems to be just random when it happens and no direct cause when it does happen.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2022
My backup camera still turns blue. I have had the recall done to fix the issue but it still happens occasionally. Seems to be just random when it happens and no direct cause when it does happen.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2022
Vehicle has 5400 miles and has catastrophic engine failure while driving. Vehicle towed to dealership and diagnosed engine seized needs complete engine replacement
Incident date: Mar 5, 2022
Lug nuts are swollen. Doesn’t even have 33,000 miles on my vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2021
Tire size 265/40 R 21. I had 2 tires fail with sidewall breaks on this car, which was purchased on 8/23/2019. These were the original tires that came with the car. First sidewall problem occurred on 3/25/2021 when the car had only 6,700 miles on it. That tire was replaced. Tires were maintained and rotated as recommended by dealer. Then on 10/12/2021 when the car had 9,234 miles on it a second ori... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
FCIM failure causes AC unit to activate randomly. Windows can fog without warning causing an unsafe driving condition. Also, from YouTube videos - this defect can also cause rear windows to lock/unlock unexpectedly (I have not yet experienced this).
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
FCIM failure causes AC unit to activate randomly. Windows can fog without warning causing an unsafe driving condition. Also, from YouTube videos - this defect can also cause rear windows to lock/unlock unexpectedly (I have not yet experienced this).
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The vehicle main screen locks up and does not auto dim. It has been in the shop 6 times for this problem. No repairs are fixing the problem. Extremely distracting when driving.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the rear wheels seized and the vehicle made a screeching sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with wheel speed sensor failure. The contact was informed that the wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was notifie... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown 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 had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2022
Misfire cylinder2 coolant found in combustion chamber requiring longblock engine replacement. Through investigation found that this is a widespread factory defect that Ford is well aware of. A diagnostic check was not performed on this issue during any routine service visit even though a technical service bulletin had been distributed to dealerships in 2019. The dealership and Ford customer servic... Read more
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2021) — AIR BAGS
Mar 1, 2022
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
The front airbags did not deploy in a front end crash on 12/17/2021. GEICO has the vehicle at their salvage lot after they declared it a total loss. Lincoln has been notified and their response was to have a dealer check it out. However, when I contacted a dealer, they said that is not something they do either. So I have no idea where to go next since no one at Lincoln will take a look at it. The ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
I had a accident almost a year ago if not longer. I hit a deer on the freeway they couldn’t understand why my airbags didn’t deploy. They say the bar was cracked in two different spots that makes the airbag deploy. Luckily my car wasn’t total for that reason. But I always wondered why my airbags didn’t deploy ? I thought I should let you know that .
Crash
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
Driving on the highway with the cruise control on and the vehicle will slam the brakes on for no reason. Usually coming up on an overpass or a shadow in the road. Have to hit the gas pedal to disengage/override the system. Have taken the vehicle to the dealership to has checked out. Nothing was found wrong.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while the vehicle was in park and the key was not in the ignition while opening the front driver side door the vehicle started moving forward independently and down a hill. The contact jumped into the seat and depressed the brake pedal in order for the vehicle to come to a stop. After the incident, the vehicle was able to be driven to t... Read more
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2022) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Feb 22, 2022
Incident date: Dec 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 85 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown software needed to be reset for the vehicle to operate as needed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2022
Lincoln MK/Z Vehicle 3.7 liter engine has repeatedly stopped running while driving at speeds between forty and seventy miles per hour. On one occasion this occurred on Florida rte 84 in heavy traffic requiring an emergency response to avoid a life threatening collision. While there are numerous reports of similar problems with Ford 3.7 liter V6 engines Ford dealers, including mine, have repeatedl... Read more
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2020) — ENGINE
Feb 17, 2022
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
I was driving and an alert to pull over came on. The car would not accelerate and I was in the middle of a parkway where speeds were 55 mph. It almost seemed like the car couldn't figure out to go to gas mode when the battery depleted the range. The car is a hybrid.
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2020) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 17, 2022
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
I was driving and an alert to pull over came on. The car would not accelerate and I was in the middle of a parkway where speeds were 55 mph. It almost seemed like the car couldn't figure out to go to gas mode when the battery depleted the range. The car is a hybrid.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
I own a Lincoln mkz reserve it started running rough and i was informed it had a misfire code and the recommendation was to change the coils and spark plugs, after that was done it still wasn't fixed after multiple items on vehicle changed it stopped running altogether and i was told the engine lost compression and that this is common flaw on 2017-2019 Lincoln engines and that ford even has a serv... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
Car stopped without warning, then "check engine" came on. After waiting several minutes, it started again. We were in a very heavy traffic area and turned right to get to where we staying when the car stopped without warning. Fortunately, no car turned behind us or we could have been killed or injured. We were staying at a timeshare in Weston.Fl. and tried to find a Lincoln dealer but to no avai... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2017) — WHEELS
Feb 15, 2022
Incident date: Feb 15, 2022
Lugnuts are stripped and swollen at only 60k miles. An improperly seated lug nut could result in the tire coming off at high rate of speeds posing a safety hazard. The dealer found and confirmed the swollen and stripped lug nuts. Lincoln dealer is the only entity who has serviced the vehicle while in my possession. After speaking with advisor, they said this is a common problem - indicating Lincol... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2017) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 15, 2022
Incident date: Feb 15, 2022
Lugnuts are stripped and swollen at only 60k miles. An improperly seated lug nut could result in the tire coming off at high rate of speeds posing a safety hazard. The dealer found and confirmed the swollen and stripped lug nuts. Lincoln dealer is the only entity who has serviced the vehicle while in my possession. After speaking with advisor, they said this is a common problem - indicating Lincol... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
The front seat when we had to come to a stop the seat bounced forward and then back. Very dangerous. This should be a recall. I have many read letters of this happening for many others. It is an accident waiting to happen.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2021
After a year with the purchasing dealer we are still having on-going electrical issues with the vehicle. Apple Sync, voice control. Still have issues with rims pitting after only less than 10,000 miles on the vehicle. Bolt rusting on under carriage. Film on back window. Lincoln Corporate has been following this case for a year now and my rep is Mr. Dehane Davis. This file is still open at... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2021
After a year with the purchasing dealer we are still having on-going electrical issues with the vehicle. Apple Sync, voice control. Still have issues with rims pitting after only less than 10,000 miles on the vehicle. Bolt rusting on under carriage. Film on back window. Lincoln Corporate has been following this case for a year now and my rep is Mr. Dehane Davis. This file is still open at... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2021
After a year with the purchasing dealer we are still having on-going electrical issues with the vehicle. Apple Sync, voice control. Still have issues with rims pitting after only less than 10,000 miles on the vehicle. Bolt rusting on under carriage. Film on back window. Lincoln Corporate has been following this case for a year now and my rep is Mr. Dehane Davis. This file is still open at... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
I was driving down the street when all of a sudden my Lincoln beeps at me. it says “Service Advancetrac” and “Steering Assist Fault”. I lost all steering to my car and it swerved across four lanes of oncoming traffic until I crashed into a curb. This car almost killed me and multiple other people. The car has 79k miles on it. This should not be happening. There is a recall on 2012-2013 MKS... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 3, 2021
The rear trunk latch disconnects from the car during any instance and projects the trunk open in a rapid manner. This issue occurred 3 times. The first time the vehicle was pulling into my garage and the trunk opened without prompting. The trunk smashed against the top of the garage and the facade of my home. Lincoln reviewed the electrical system and determined the event occurred without my invol... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact spoke to a local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VI... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
There is an apparent transmission issue and, according to my research, it is somewhat common with this model vehicle. There is an intermittent problem with shift delay and/or "jumping" during acceleration from first gear. Often happens at stopped position at light and is dangerous if turning in front of oncoming traffic. I was hoping for a recall on this issue, but guess I'll have to take it to a ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
One broken strut, one leaking strut and one leaking shock. I noticed an oil leak on my garage floor at right rear wheel.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Automatic transmission is slipping badly. Results in temporary loss of power & speed. Taking my foot off the gas pedal, for two-to-three seconds, seems to remedy the situation. It's quite scary losing control of the vehicle during that period. Below, I am identifying an "approximate date"; however, this issue has been ongoing for quite some time - At least one, perhaps two, years. A mechanic'... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
Right rear shock assembly failed. Car has less than 45,000 miles. Ford claims they are not shipping this part.poor build quality. Afraid to drive the car very far. Poor response from Ford
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2022) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 2, 2022
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
This is brand new vehicle with 3,000+ miles on it. The first day owned it, around 12-21, the vehicle would not go into drive. A warning message appeared that said 'high-voltage battery warning", "The hybrid powertrain system has detected a fault". It would also flash "Full Accessory Power Active". After some internet searches I found a thread in ford that said "let the car sit for 20mins and it wi... Read more
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2022) — ENGINE
Feb 2, 2022
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
This is brand new vehicle with 3,000+ miles on it. The first day owned it, around 12-21, the vehicle would not go into drive. A warning message appeared that said 'high-voltage battery warning", "The hybrid powertrain system has detected a fault". It would also flash "Full Accessory Power Active". After some internet searches I found a thread in ford that said "let the car sit for 20mins and it wi... Read more
LINCOLN
AVIATOR PHEV
(2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 2, 2022
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
This is brand new vehicle with 3,000+ miles on it. The first day owned it, around 12-21, the vehicle would not go into drive. A warning message appeared that said 'high-voltage battery warning", "The hybrid powertrain system has detected a fault". It would also flash "Full Accessory Power Active". After some internet searches I found a thread in ford that said "let the car sit for 20mins and it wi... Read more