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: 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 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: 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 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 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
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 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 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: 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
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: Aug 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the headlight housing was cracked. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle was put into reverse then turned off the vehicle numerous times before the power steering functionality returned. The dealer and manufacturer were made... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while the vehicle was turned off, the driver’s side turn signal and parking lights remained illuminated with the other lights in the vehicle being inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V659000 (Structure) however, the Vin was not included.... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The daytime running lights fail to illuminate which is a safety hazard. A message to check the headlights is displayed on the dashboard ONLY when the car is started with the remote start feature. This is a known problem as confirmed by technical service bulletin (TSB #SSM 46508)
Incident date: Sep 21, 2020
Knocking in the driver's side footboard when accelerating.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
The fuel system was faulty on my 2008 MKX, my life as well as my family life was almost loss due to the fact that my MKX caught on fire. Everytime I would put gas in my truck when i got back in the cabin I always smell gas. One time when i was on my way to work I walked outside and smelled gas and when I looked under my truck I could see the gas leaking out at an alarming rate, i put a pan under... Read more
Fire
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
Now on my 3rd Battery in 3 months. A section in front of the battery gets very hot. It's a section with a lot of thick wires coming together. Most of the time my car will not start, I just have to keep moving wires until I get a connected for the car to start. I expecting the car to start a fire or a battery explosion pretty soon. l researched 2017 Lincoln MKC's and it seems this is a car with a l... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2021
Today (6/18/2021) was a totally dry day with no precipitation here in Meade County, KY. Today at or about 7:00 PM, I went into the garage, got in the car, closed the driver's door, and put on my seat belt, started and put the car into drive, & moved the car out of the garage without incident. Once outdoors in the driveway, I immediately stopped the car, leaving the OEM FOB inside of the running... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel ceased. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off, restarted, and driven to his destination. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was diagnosed with needing the power steer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact had 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 while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal needed to be gently depressed several times to engage. The contact stated that whenever the brake pedal was depressed force... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2021
On 7/5/2020, I experienced a sudden brake loss on my vehicle. To stop the vehicle I had push the brake pedal down to the floor board. On 7/6/2020 I had the vehicle towed to David McDavid dealership in Plano, TX to have the brake problem fixed and it was returned to me on 7/10/2020. On 6/14/2021 I had the same brake problem again and I called the same dealer and I just took in this date 6/15/202... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact initially received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V469000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact recently received a recall letter that informed him that parts were available. The dealer had been notified about the recall however, the contact was informed that par... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact initially received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V469000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact recently received a recall letter that informed him that parts were available. The dealer had been notified about the recall however, the contact was informed that par... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2021
Car brakes in front of my son, hit the brakes they did not respond pedal went to floor. Car did slow but ended up rear ending car in front of us.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2021
I’ve only had the car 2 weeks brought brand new from Crest Lincoln on May 28,2020. Every time I try to accelerate the car doesn’t want to move , it sounds like it’s trying to get power. It makes a humming noise then it slowly starts to move and the care jerks and pick up speed. I don’t like it, I’m afraid that when i come to a light and it doesn’t accelerate I might get hit from beh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2021
2008 Lincoln MKZ> Consumer writes in regards to hydraulic control unit and anti-lock braking system. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE FAILURE WAS UNRELATED TO THE RECALL.