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: Dec 21, 2021
While driving, there is an electrical issue that is causing warning alarms to go off for hill-descend control, advance-trac traction control, etc. During this time, there is also a complete loss of power steering and making the vehicle almost impossible to turn. The first incident happened on November 26, 2021 around 7pm were I was able to stop prior to hitting a building. I shut the vehicle off a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2021
While driving, there is an electrical issue that is causing warning alarms to go off for hill-descend control, advance-trac traction control, etc. During this time, there is also a complete loss of power steering and making the vehicle almost impossible to turn. The first incident happened on November 26, 2021 around 7pm were I was able to stop prior to hitting a building. I shut the vehicle off a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Wrench light came on a few times when I checked it the codes were p2135 and p0122 and p1576 car didnt accelerate It happen again one time and then it was letting me accelerate but it was very limited
Incident date: Mar 25, 2021
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
While driving on the freeway with the cruise set at 70MPH, the sign recognition software all of a sudden picked up the 35MPH speed limit from the adjacent service drive and abruptly slowed the vehicle down to 35MPH. This happened on another freeway which had a service drive so there is definitely some issue with the sign recognition software. This issue occurs in the same location on these freew... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Town Car. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V328000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, vibration sounds were heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The local dealer, All American Ford of Paramus (375 NJ-17, Paramus, NJ 07652) and Mahw... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer informed the contact that the lug nuts needed to be replaced due to the lug nut edges being rounded. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had safety concerns if the vehicle had a flat tire in a rural area or in cold weather conditions where the lug nuts could no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while exiting out of a parking spot, the steering wheel locked up and would not turn. The power steering fault warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted the vehicle into PARK and restarted the vehicle for the power steering functionality to return. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the failure might be related t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
Driving and stopped for a red light. The engine stalled and would not restart.I was driving and slowed down for a red light. The engine chugged and stalled. It would not restart. There was a recall on the 2013 model with the exact problem but not for the 2014. This could have ended terribly had I not been slowing down for the light. I was able to swerve into a large mall parking lot and came to a ... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2017) — SEATS
Dec 9, 2021
Incident date: Dec 7, 2021
I turned on my heated seats and felt my back burning. I turned it off and called the dealer immediately and noted my brand new winter arctic coat had a hole in it, the seat had a hole in the air bladder of the seat and the entire car was smelling of burning. I have owned the car without problems. My back had a first degree burn
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
I have a 2012 Lincoln MKX and a piece of the transmission broke off while I was driving on the highway at night. I was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder but this could have caused a serious accident even resulting in fatalities. I have contacted the dealership but he is not cooperating and says that he is going to do nothing about it. I have an estimate from the repair where I had to have ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2021
November 21, 2021, while driving on the HWY at about 65 MPH, the forward panoramic moon roof exploded. Simply exploded. Not hit by anything - no cars or trucks in front of us. Thank goodness, we had the interior part closed, or it would have exploded all over us. This was a very loud explosion! Thank goodness I did not lose control of the car.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH and depressing on the accelerator pedal, the RPM rose to 6,500 however, the vehicle began to decelerate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and was able to continue to drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the lo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
Owner of 2016 MKZ Hybrid 65870 miles Loss of electronic power steering and Advance Trac Soon after replacement of Bolt under recall 19R02 I heard friction/grinding when turning steering wheel. Oct 1, 2021 I contacted Parks Lincoln of Tampa for a diagnostic and they told me the steering rack assembly would need to be replaced. On November 6,2021 I lost physical steering ability. I had my car towed ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2019
Transmission shudders at various shift points but mostly during slight increase in acceleration between 40 to 55 MPH.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2021
As I was returning home from a haircut, my 2011 Lincoln MKS shut off as I was attempting to stop at a red light. I was able to get the car to complete stop. I looked at the dash to see if any warning signs, alerts or any gauges we abnormal. When nothing alarmed me I started my vehicle and proceeded when the light turned green approximately 1/2 mile the car stalled again as I was driving at 35 mph.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
the radio screen at night will not dim/switch to night mode and it's a bright spotlight in your face while driving. This is blinding and dangerous. I believe this is a software glitch and I don’t believe Lincoln is in a hurry to fix it unless the NHTSA steps in like they did for the back up camera issue. In my photos I’m including you can see it is night with the headlights on yet the screen i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
the radio screen at night will not dim/switch to night mode and it's a bright spotlight in your face while driving. This is blinding and dangerous. I believe this is a software glitch and I don’t believe Lincoln is in a hurry to fix it unless the NHTSA steps in like they did for the back up camera issue. In my photos I’m including you can see it is night with the headlights on yet the screen i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2021
Tire size: 255/45 R 19 This is actually about all four of my tires. I bought my tires at a discount tire in Bloomingdale, Il shop on 12/14/19. Had 52,524 documented miles. First my tires kept loosing air. maybe had to fill them one every 2-3 weeks, by 2020, it was every 10 days or so. Since 2021 it was up to 2-4 times a week. Took my car to a different tire shop today (12/3/2021) with 67,1... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2021
11.30.2021 REVERSED OUT OF DRIVEWAY, SHIFTED INTO 'DRIVE'. STOP SIGN AT INTERSECTION AND TURNED LEFT ONTO STREET. THE TRANSMISSION LUGGED, NOT IN GEAR, THE RPMs RAN HIGH (ON DISPLAY) AND THEN RE-ENGAGED AND INTO FORWARD MOTION. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SOUNDS. CLEAR DAY, 60d, FORTUNATELY NO TRAFFIC.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
Brake pedal went to the floor causing crash. Inspected by the insurance company. No warning lamps came on
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s side seat would move forward and backward without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s side seat would move forward and backward without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2021
My Lincoln has been in the shop due to a hard AWD System Disabled Message since 10/29/2021. Lincoln Concierge and dealership has kept us updated that NHTSA has not approved the latest AWD control module.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
While traveling at approximately 22 mph I entered a roundabout when the steering wheel pulled out of my hand and the car was no longer turning, but going straight towards another car that was waiting to enter the roundabout. The car no longer had power steering but I was able to steer past the waiting vehicle and into a curb where I stopped the vehicle off the road. There was no warning prior to t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2021
During a braking event that caused my ABS to activate, my brake pedal traveled almost all the way to the floor. I was able to stop the car without accident but feel unsafe driving it. After much research I located Ford safety recall 19S54 which describes my issue exactly, unfortunately Ford has decided to only issue the recall for model years 2006 to 2010.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2021
The transmission (possibly the start/stop) jerks and is intermittent. When coming out of the stop, the acceleration is sputtering. The dealer said the problem is known to Ford but there is not yet a fix. The vehicle has less than 10000 miles travelled.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. In addition, the brake pedal needed to be pumped several times for the brakes to operate. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and then to an independent mechanic where the failure was undetermined. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
The back up camera is not working. Sometimes ithe view is perfect color, etc. Other times the view is upside down and other times, toitally out of focus or the screen is black & says check with dealer. It is a safty hazard, expecially at night when backing up. The Ford dealer says the camera needs replacing.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
Power Steering Issues. Power steering completely locks up or totally doesn’t work most times. Unable to turn steering wheel. Have been told by several mechanics they have say the same issue with other Models that have been recalled. Some VIN numbers are not being recalled.
LINCOLN
MKZ
(2008) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nov 18, 2021
Incident date: Nov 18, 2019
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would only respond when depressed all the way to the floorboard. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle speed sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the speed sensor was replaced; however, the fa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, she was advised to veer to the side of the road as there was a fire underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she smelled a strong gas odor. The contact veered to the side of the road and quickly exited the vehicle. The contact stated that as she turned aro... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of Manufacturer Recall Number: 21B10 (CAM Phaser PCM Reprogram). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed the recall repair. After the recall repair, the engine was rattling during start-up. The contact then received notification of Manufacturer Recall Number: 21N03 (CAM Phaser ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
My brakes failed. I did not have a vehicle crash. I was pulling out of a parking lot and I was far enough behind the other car to avoid an accident. I took my 2013 Lincoln MKX to the Lincoln dealer and found that there is a 13no2 bulletin but it does not include my car even though they found that the brake booster is bad. I received no notice regarding this problem from Ford and no message on m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
Navigation fails to locate correct GPS location rendering all navigation functions useless. APIM module replaced once under warranty, now 1 year later the issue has returned.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
The HVAC controls are touch sensitive/haptic. They fail with high frequency at low mileage. My vehicle has 70k miles, it started at 65k. They won't allow control of the HVAC system or activation of the front defrost/defog. The touchscreen controls can not over ride the fault which means no driver control. When it faults, the HVAC goes to the highest setting of 85deg F, the blower goes to high and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2018
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered and made abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was a design failure and was caused by oil not being pumped up to the timing chain properly. The contact stated that he received an unknown custo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2018
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered and made abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was a design failure and was caused by oil not being pumped up to the timing chain properly. The contact stated that he received an unknown custo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
have to jump car if sits over 3 days. then cruise control, no signal lights and menu instrument panel stays on trac.. mode bought vehicle in May 2021 this has happened 4 times and 2 new batteries later
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
have to jump car if sits over 3 days. then cruise control, no signal lights and menu instrument panel stays on trac.. mode bought vehicle in May 2021 this has happened 4 times and 2 new batteries later
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
have to jump car if sits over 3 days. then cruise control, no signal lights and menu instrument panel stays on trac.. mode bought vehicle in May 2021 this has happened 4 times and 2 new batteries later
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
While driving the vehicle at normal speed with my wife and baby, car suddenly made a weird noise and started to smoke, the car lost power. I had to pull over right away , as car was smoking we smelled a propane like smell, and we noticed black grease leaking from the bottom. Soon as I got the car towed home , I looked under and notice the transfer box or PTO was busted with grease pouring out. I l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked on an inclined driveway, he attempted to start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the towing employee was able to reverse onto a street with a flat surface and was able to start the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the loc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the conta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal depressed and went to the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the brake booster was repaired in August 2020 under a ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at various low speeds, a burning odor was detected. The burning odor affected the contact's asthma. Additionally, there was fluid leaking onto the garage floor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with fluid leaking from the transfer case. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the mechani... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
The steering is binding really bad. Noticed it yesterday while taking hubby to docs. Much worse today. Unable to pull into parking spaces, did not dare to try to pull up to pumps. Cornering was a challenge in either direction. We do not have any Ford garages in this area. Think this is a major issue that may go with Lincolns. had 2 other ones with similar issues. It is not too bad if rolling along... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2021
Power steering assist fault error. The power steering stopped working.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2021
Engine light came on and my LinolnWAy app told me to not drive over 45 mph because my car may start having smoke come out. I took the car to the dealership and was told that I needed a new engine because the coolant has leaked over . I was told that my car was the 5th Lincoln that came in and needed a new engine. A new engine was installed and I was told that i had just made the warranty otherwi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2021
Exhaust smell in cabin (interior) of car Happens when full acceleration when passing or entering Highway A/C on, Outside air Recirculate switch off (inside air Only) Has happen since new on car. Ford/Lincoln dealership has checked for Exhaust leaks, Proper operation on Climate control system, check rear hatch for proper sealing. No issues found. Dealership has verified problem. Oct 26 2021 EAST T... Read more