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
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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
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: 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: May 20, 2021
The steering all of a sudden became impossible to turn the vehicle. I almost had an accident trying to get over to the shoulder. While pulling over on the shoulder the warning signal on the mirror didn’t tell me that another car was next to me. These issues could have cost me my life
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
Vehicle Leased for 36 months December, 2016. 3 miles on it. At end of lease then purchased the vehicle with a Lincoln Premier Warranty. June 2021 the passenger side dashboard began to lift from its mounting and bubbling up and sort of waffeling across the top of the dashboard then migrating toward the Airbag assembly. Complaint made to Lincoln June 2021. Instructed to take it to a local Lincoln... 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
Incident date: Oct 26, 2021
We just purchased this car and shortly after we were driving home and it just starts beeping and suddenly the heat comes on full blast, no one is touching the controls. This happens quite frequently and once it starts rising there doesnt seem to be a way to stop it. A simple google search shows that this is a well known problem by lincoln and happens a lot, there are a lot of forums and videos all... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
2018 LINCOLN MKX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG MALFUNCTION SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN AUGUST OF 2018, WITH A RECTANGULAR HOLE CUT INTO THE CARPET. THE HOLE WAS LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT EXPOSING THE WIRING HARNESS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRPET WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNEXPLAINED INTERRUPTIONS IN CERTAIN ELECTRICAL COMPON... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
LINCOLN MKX SUDDENLY HAD A HARD PEDAL AND CHECKED FOR THE POSSIBLE FLUID LEAKS AND BLEED THE SYSTEM. NO BRAKE FLUID LEAKS WERE FOUND. IT HAS BEEN INCORMED THIS COULD BE A BRAKE BOOSTER OR ABS PUMP ISSUE, ALMOST CRASHED MY VEHICLE IN A HIGHWAY
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Vehicle has turned of twice while driving. Had to coast to the side of the road. Very dangerous situation. No warning lights illuminated. Vehicle has an appt on Nov 1, 2021 for further inspection.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2021
Rear toe-link failure, and part is available. The failure occurred while I was driving, about 20 mph, heard a loud noise from the back of the vehicle. The vehicle swerved a bit but managed to regain control and come to a complete stop. Was not diagnosed by the dealership, but have determined,through TSB lookup, that this component has been a failure point across various Ford models including the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
The Lincoln Mercury factory chrome plated rims leak air all the time making the tires low on air or flat very often! This is a very dangerous safety hazard that can cause loss of control and having an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death! There are many numerous other Lincoln car owners that report the same symptoms and problems. The manufacturer never plated the rims properly with... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
My wife and I purchased a Certified, Pre-Owned, 2018 Lincoln MKT for her in July. Last month we finally looked at dash covers. Many Ford vehicles, including ours, have Adaptive Cruise Control. One feature included in this option is a Collision Warning System which flashes a row of red lights on the dash when it activates. Several manufacturers required the dash cover purchaser to check off whe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
I had my MKC at the dealership to get an oil change and check for an issue with electrical. They were checking the car and they had to replace all 20 lugnuts because they swelled. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that even the dealers say they have problems with those lug nuts and ford/Lincoln refuses to pay for it! I called who refused to pay for them
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
Vehicle shifted into neutral while driving. Had to stop the vehicle in the median to put it back in drive.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
while driving on highway power steering assist failure light went on after power steering stopped working. Vehicle has only 60000 miles and both dealer and ford were notified and both said vehicle was not covered by recall after vin was supplied to them.Analysis coeds U 0416 , U 0415 and u 3000 were found and dealer offered to replace steering gear at cost of $4000.00
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message intermittently appeared on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle resume normal operation. Recently, the contact stated that the traction control and the power steering warning lights would illuminate at start-up and remained illuminated d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
Intermittent power steering failures at low speeds - appears to be random. No warning lights or indicators of problem.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
The steering wheel locked up while I was driving. A message on the screen said power steering assist fault. I could not turn left or right and the brake was very difficult to press
Incident date: Sep 13, 2021
When I started my car is was idling low and engine light came on
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
Brake pressure loss without warning
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
Out of nowhere, a full accessory power active display showed, the ignition started to jerk and car shaking. Car was towed for a detailed dealership investigation, which is currently pending.