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: Jul 19, 2021
Rear backup camera tuns to blue screen when the vehicle is put into reverse. Also rear brake assist works sometimes. Vehicle was turned into service for previous rear camera recall, but condition has returned.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
The moon roof (the rear one that does not open) shattered for no apparent reason! The glass broke into many pieces and fell inside the car . I have no idea what could have caused this I was not driving and was not parked beneath anything?
Incident date: Mar 20, 2021
The contact owned a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while exiting her employer's parking lot when the vehicle began to accelerate independently and she started to smell a burning smell. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was depressing the brake pedal to the floor and pressed the Park button but the vehicle continued to accelerate and move forward. The... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the chrome wheels were leaking air which caused the tires to become flat. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the chrome wheels were leaking air which caused the tires to become flat. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2021
The power brake booster failed. This happened without any warning or warnings lights coming on. We noticed a hissing sound when using the brakes and a spongy feel. We often had to push the brake almost to the floor in order to stop the car! This put us and others at risk because the brakes were not working properly. We took the car to an auto repair shop and they diagnosed the issue as the power b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2021
Issue: Power Steering INOP U3000-49 Control Module Failure Pro Date 5/2012. Steering wheel locked making it difficult to turn wheel and drive car safely. Problem was confirmed by 2 Mechanics, one being the Dealership- Chapman Ford Lincoln. A Warning lamp came on: Power Steering Assist Fault.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2019
The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2019
The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt failed to unlatch as designed. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2021
Issue with damage done to wiring by rats, because of soy based wire covering. Vehicle will intermittently not start, all dash board lights flash, or engine will turn off. The service advisor knew this as well as salesperson. This is an issue as if driving car could power off and cause an accident. This has happened on various dates. I have requested the wiring to be fixed at dealers cost, no r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2021
Issue with damage done to wiring by rats, because of soy based wire covering. Vehicle will intermittently not start, all dash board lights flash, or engine will turn off. The service advisor knew this as well as salesperson. This is an issue as if driving car could power off and cause an accident. This has happened on various dates. I have requested the wiring to be fixed at dealers cost, no r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
I was driving my car and a car pulled in front of me I pressed a little harder on the brakes and after that the brakes went to the floor. I brought to my mechanic and he said that the seal on hydraulic brake was broken
LINCOLN
NAVIGATOR
(2015) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:THROTTLEBODY/MANIFOLD
Jul 27, 2021
Incident date: Jul 25, 2021
While driving the Lincoln navigator with only 96,000 miles, it chugged and rapidly reduced power, forcing me off the road. It happened 3 times in 2 days while I was on vacation at the Wisconsin dells. The Dealer said it was "throttle actuator failure" after the test was run. I replaced throttle body and gasket at the dealer for $425.10 on 07/27/2021. This should be part of a recall!! We coul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
Confirmed Mold inside the car on the floor carpet and mat on front passenger side. Evidence of water leak inside the car from around center console to the front passenger side. Car is currently in the repair shop for 9 days
Incident date: Jul 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle each time after the stall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be diagnosed since there was no fault codes retrieved. The independent mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA campaig... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the service advanced track and service headlights message was displayed on the instrument panel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that when he attempted to close the front driver’s side door, the door latch would not secure the lock. The contact used a dog leash to secure the door to the door frame to prevent the door from opening while driving. The dealer and 3 other unkno... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 LINCOLN MKX. The contacts husband stated while driving approximately 35mph when the driver side airbag inflated without warning which resulted in the contact's husband to lose control and crash the vehicle into a vehicle in front. 4 persons were injured (the contacts husband and 3 other individuals that were in the other vehicle) the occupants in the other vehicle went and ... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Jul 22, 2021
My power steering suddenly went out with message “power steering assist fault” and “service AdvanceTrac.”
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that at start-up of the vehicle, the brake pedal would intermittently depress to the floorboard without warning. Additionally, there was an abnormal high-pitched sound coming from the brake booster. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to the dealer where he was informed that no fault had been found with his brakes upon inspection. As ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact called an independent mechanic and the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
I have a 2017 Lincoln mkz 2.0L 6 speed automatic transmission. The torque converter weld studs. The torque converter is on longer connected to the engine flex plate causing its ability to move. If you look at recall 17S16 it is an expansion of recall 17V427. my car is available I was driving on a 4 lane highway going about 60mph when car cut off. I was very afraid for my life. But also the lif... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the brake caliper needing to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that unless the caliper was fixed, the recall repair would not be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The man... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2021
They've yet to find a remedy for either of these recalls. I'm complaining because I'd hate for someone to end up hurt before they figure out how to fix this. It's been 2yrs on the brake recall, this is getting rediculous
Incident date: Jul 20, 2021
They've yet to find a remedy for either of these recalls. I'm complaining because I'd hate for someone to end up hurt before they figure out how to fix this. It's been 2yrs on the brake recall, this is getting rediculous
Incident date: Jul 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that there was a strong gasoline odor inside of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with needing the fuel tank replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
lost complete control of my steering on my car can not drive it i had to havve the car towed to hoffman linclon ford in East Hartford Ct i have repair estimate from them i the amount of 3309,11 hear is a break down of the repairs (Primary)steering-steering $140.00 power steering control module:power rack and pinion,both outer tie rod ends $2808.79 alignment check alignment $129.00 total before... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
lost complete control of my steering on my car can not drive it i had to havve the car towed to hoffman linclon ford in East Hartford Ct i have repair estimate from them i the amount of 3309,11 hear is a break down of the repairs (Primary)steering-steering $140.00 power steering control module:power rack and pinion,both outer tie rod ends $2808.79 alignment check alignment $129.00 total before... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2002 Lincoln LS. The contact stated that the advanced traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. The vin was not available.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side and rear middle seat belts failed to latch properly when the two passengers attempted to latch the seat belts into the seat belt buckles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that she would need to pay for the seat belts replacement. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
Within one week of delivery of this new vehicle, the transmission began slipping out of gear and the car loses power for 30-40 seconds in the middle of driving. Shift System Fault, Transmission failure, and PowerTrain Malfunction are the errors coming up on the screen- even after the vehicle was in Service for 2 weeks and they replaced the transmission valve system. Very dangerous to completely l... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while his wife was driving 35 mph and coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed but hesitated to respond causing 30 feet stopping distance delay. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power brake booster had fail... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2021
Due to the open recall without a known solution, I am unable to ensure the safe use of my vehicle for my family and my business, and have lost income due to this problem.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2021
Due to the open recall without a known solution, I am unable to ensure the safe use of my vehicle for my family and my business, and have lost income due to this problem.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Two things are a problem: 1) When adaptive or regular cruise control is set to a particular speed (any speed) and the increase speed (+) button is pressed once or pushed and held, the vehicle increases speed and does not stop unless cruise control is turned off or the brake pedal is pressed. 2) There are multiple problems associated with the SYNC system (maps no longer work, Bluetooth connection... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Two things are a problem: 1) When adaptive or regular cruise control is set to a particular speed (any speed) and the increase speed (+) button is pressed once or pushed and held, the vehicle increases speed and does not stop unless cruise control is turned off or the brake pedal is pressed. 2) There are multiple problems associated with the SYNC system (maps no longer work, Bluetooth connection... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Two things are a problem: 1) When adaptive or regular cruise control is set to a particular speed (any speed) and the increase speed (+) button is pressed once or pushed and held, the vehicle increases speed and does not stop unless cruise control is turned off or the brake pedal is pressed. 2) There are multiple problems associated with the SYNC system (maps no longer work, Bluetooth connection... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2001 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the passenger’s side curtain air bag inadvertently deployed without warning. While the contact was startled by the deployment of the air bag, there was no injury sustained. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the driver’s side front door latch was faulty which caused the door ajar warning light to illuminate while the door was properly closed. The alarm system would also activate intermittently due to the door ajar warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle and adjusting the seat adjuster switch, the seat failed to move forward. The contact restarted the vehicle and depressed the seat adjuster button and the seat moved forward but failed to stop. The contact moved forward into the steering wheel and squeezed his leg under the steering wheel. The contact turned off... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Leaking brakes had to be fixed twice before recalled parts were available. When the last repair was done, dealership said they would reimburse us (since we paid full price) recalled parts labor that we had to pay for since they were on the recall. This has never happened even though we have tried multiple times to remedy. Dealership says they sent in paperwork to Ford twice for the reimbursemen... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2021
Have a recall for the emergency brake light coming on due to possible brake line rupture. I took it into the dealership and they told me I needed a battery and the light would go out!!! While the light is still on after 2weeks leaving the dealership. I had an appointment for them to fix the issue with an service loaner to be giving them I was called a day before and they told me a vehicle would no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2021
My brakes will go out for no reason. Also, my electrical system (dashboard) will freeze up for no apparent reason. I have taken it to the Ford dealership numerous times, but I was told neither was a recall issue and they could not help me unless it happened when they could actually "see" it happen. Yes. They said that.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
1) Every used miz I test drove had a super hard jerk out of first gear including the one I purchased, I was told it was fine, went to another dealership and was told the transmission clutch was gone, repaired under warranty. 2) Gas tank door spring failed, saw its a common problem with Ford Lincoln vehicles, dealer replaced entire door housing sleeve, not covered under warranty, had to be installe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
1) Every used miz I test drove had a super hard jerk out of first gear including the one I purchased, I was told it was fine, went to another dealership and was told the transmission clutch was gone, repaired under warranty. 2) Gas tank door spring failed, saw its a common problem with Ford Lincoln vehicles, dealer replaced entire door housing sleeve, not covered under warranty, had to be installe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
1) Every used miz I test drove had a super hard jerk out of first gear including the one I purchased, I was told it was fine, went to another dealership and was told the transmission clutch was gone, repaired under warranty. 2) Gas tank door spring failed, saw its a common problem with Ford Lincoln vehicles, dealer replaced entire door housing sleeve, not covered under warranty, had to be installe... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2021
First it was the alarm system it would lock me out the car. Then it was the air conditioning it would only turn on when it wanted too. Then I would press the seat cooler and it malfunctioned and I had a second degree burn on my lower back. Then the check engine light came on and it started to overheat. I pulled over turned off the ignition and the car was still running. That happened twice my mech... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 27, 2021
First it was the alarm system it would lock me out the car. Then it was the air conditioning it would only turn on when it wanted too. Then I would press the seat cooler and it malfunctioned and I had a second degree burn on my lower back. Then the check engine light came on and it started to overheat. I pulled over turned off the ignition and the car was still running. That happened twice my mech... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 27, 2021
First it was the alarm system it would lock me out the car. Then it was the air conditioning it would only turn on when it wanted too. Then I would press the seat cooler and it malfunctioned and I had a second degree burn on my lower back. Then the check engine light came on and it started to overheat. I pulled over turned off the ignition and the car was still running. That happened twice my mech... Read more
Fire