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 40,555 complaints for BMW
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
The malfunction component was the engine. My safety and other was very risky and dangerous. Unknown if the problem was reproduced or confirmed by dealer. The vehicle was inspected by police. The only warning lamp was the engine lamp that appeared approximately 30 minutes before the engine caught fire resulting in total car loss.
Fire
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the power window control switch failed to function properly. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the Central Processing Unit (CPU) screen occasionally went black. The air bag warning li... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
While driving my car, which is a manual, will stall out of nowhere. Not while changing gears, but while driving on highway. It stalls which is extremely dangerous. I read the NHTSA investigated this problem in 2010. I believe my car is part of this investigation.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
unknown defects in some vehicles that could cause sudden and unintended acceleration without driver input Yes, our safety was at risk. The vehicle was clearly not in our control. A police report was generated. The car plowed through the garage no control to brake The damages are being inspected by insurance. There were no waring lights that I could see
Crash
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, he observed that the "Power Steering Fault" warning light had illuminated. The contact stated that when he attempted to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right, excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact was unable to reset the power steering assist and had the vehicle towed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
This failure narrowly resulted in a serious accident when my vehicle applied the brakes without warning and dropped the speed to below 40 mph on the Highway! I was extremely fortunate not to have been closely followed by a large semi at the time. I researched on my own and found this was a known defect: Ford Recall reference #22S02 (21C24) March 2022. includes vehicles built in Hemosillo plant fr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
My coolant light came on and my car now hesitates. I contacted BMW of Tulsa and they said they do not have a remedy for my recall. I am afraid to drive my car due to the risk of catching fire and other mechanical issues related to the recall.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Starter replacement is exceptionally high, self repair impossible. There should be recall on manufacturing design of starter placement inside intake manifold amongst other impossible expectations
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The vehicle suddenly shuts down while driving creating a dangerous situation. The dealership diagnosed it as a faulty ignition switch and said it is common and that there was the same issue on previous generation of caravan that was recalled. I have it scheduled for replacement and will ask for the old part back.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V344000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms par... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
Parts replaced, according to 2019 R/O from Ford Dealer: clutch assembly Parts needed for replacement, according to R/O from Ford Dealer: clutch, clutch forks x2, clutch bearing, clutch hardware, 1 qt of transmission oil Available for inspection, however it is getting diagnosed with possible proceeding of replacement at an independent service provider. I experienced gear slippage, resulting in hig... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the thermo-control valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2018
I own a 2023 Fisker Ocean One. Regenerative brake and normal brake usually lose control when the vehicle driving through a bumpy surface. The vehicle loses the ability to slow down and brake seems to be released. This is an obvious manufacturer defect and increase the risk of accident when the vehicle is failed to stop when it needed to be. I urge to speed up the recall process to have this defect... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Brought my car in for a starter recall picked it up next day and drove home then came out to turn my vehicle on again and it wouldn’t start. Burning smell from engine bay as well. Returned the car they inspected it and told me a faulty starter. When I brought the car in it was in perfect working condition I only brought it for the recall. I was then held accountable for 25% of repair costs.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
power steering unavailable pops up on dash while driving. truck steering locks up was able to pull truck off the main highway on the shoulder call a tow truck
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the starter had failed, causing the battery failure. The contact was informed that the starter and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the contact became a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The service electronic brake light and traction control light on my 2018 Ram 2500 keeps going on and off while driving. This started with only 12,048 miles and 6 weeks over my 3 year warranty. Research shows that this is a common issue with 2018 Rams and newer. Thousands of complaints have been reported and there are several Class Action Lawsuits regarding this issue in several States. Also being ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
While driving on the highway, and the vehicle tries to downshift, the transmission makes a loud clunking sound and shifts into neutral, causing the vehicle to slow rapidly while driving. Warning lights appear on the dash as this occurs, and the vehicle sits in neutral for 15 to 30 seconds, leaving you without acceleration while stuck on the road. This has happened 3 times in a short amount of time... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
ABS light came on, car will stop on its own while driving 70 miles an hour and kill the acceleration. steering will go out. speedometer will not work. check engine light will come on. gear shift gets stuck in place. This car is a major safety hazard that Jeep has ignored. I have gotten stuck on the side of the road on bridges, highways side streets due to the fact the gear shift will not move out ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The car shutdown mid-driving do due to a power system issue, which was dangerous on the highway. I had the car battery and the alternator replaced and it did the same thing again 8 months later. Says the battery system needs servicing
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid servo brake electrical malfunction has led to braking inconsistencies, unprompted emergency brake application, and numerous dashboard errors. Electric servo brake component needed to be replaced entirely for the vehicle, roughly $2,200 for parts and labor.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
We bought this truck from a dealer in March of 2023. We were never informed by the dealer that the truck had this issue. ABS light and traction control lights come on & stay on for periods of time. Sometimes lights come on & off repeatedly while driving along with chime on & off. When lights come on, there is no cruise control available to use. I took it to the dealer we purchased from over a year... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The car safety features should not allow the vehicle to move with an open door. It should also alert driver with warning if passenger door is ajar before and when in motion. The car did not register at any point (sound, dash light or otherwise) while the car door was moving that the rear driver side passenger door was ajar and door hit something. Even after collision, the vehicle still did not... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
I have gear shift trim that has peeled and is extermely sharp in my vehicle. This had led to cutting my hands multiple times while accessing the center storage compartment. This is a known issue with GTIs and other Volkswagen trim manufacturing, yet Volkswagen refuses to replace the part in my VIN. The relevant Service Action Code is 34J7.
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
In June 2024, i received a letter dated March of 2024 for a Customer Satisfaction Program 13N02 that ended before i had a chance to take my vehicle into the repair shop to have this item fixed. Actually, i received the letter past the date that it could qualify for the repair as it was 10 years from the original warranty or 150,000 miles. My original warranty start date was December 2013. So they ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
Sent the car to fix recalls and they said it has another problem and want to charge to fix the steering recall N140772 problem. They said is not free.... Do not know if the other recalls were repaired.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated, and the brakes were independently activated. Additionally, the contact stated that the “Service Required” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
The timp started melting and almost caught fire. Luckily I caught it when if first started and am getting it replaced.. after reading this is a common issue I am relieved my car didn’t catch fire. Please address this with Jeep. This is dangerous.
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Driving a Lexus UX300h 2025. Making a right turn from an alley onto a driveway of a house in low speed. Then the car was malfunctioning and suddenly unintended accelerated, and the front end on the driver side hit the brick structure of garage. The car is equipped with Lexus Safety System + 3.0 with Pre-Collision System (PCS). However, the system did not give any warnings to the driver of an ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Cam phasers make noise when the car is starting, indicative of poor cam phaser design and performance. It seems clear that Ford is aware of this problem (program 21B10) but refuses to provide support for faulty parts now that that limited program has ended.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Tire Size p235/50r19 Bought car used with new tires on [XXX] is now 08/20 have driven car for roughly 2500miles and tires began losing air irregularly took into tire shop to find both fronts with severe separation damage and wear patterns on both front tires. Rear tires also experienced separation damage as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
There is spontaneous cracking of the windshield without hit by a stone chip or any debri
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
Received code P090C and seen this was recalled
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
THREE of four original equipment tires failed, the first one at 10K miles. Two failures were located at the sidewall/tread corner. The third tire failure was located in the tread area. The third tire is available for inspection. The vehicle electronic system informed us of the tire problem, when tires failed, so vehicle could be moved to safe area. The vehicle was inspected by Subaru of Lit... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Two trailer tires Karrier Road Star ST175/80R13 Load Range D (Build date 1719) are warping causing the vehicle to porpoise while traveling. One tire shows one of the steel plies being pushed out the sidewall of the tire.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Two trailer tires Karrier Road Star ST175/80R13 Load Range D (Build date 1719) are warping causing the vehicle to porpoise while traveling. One tire shows one of the steel plies being pushed out the sidewall of the tire.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, coolant leaks were present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump and the oil filter housing gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The AHR system for the passenger seat failed. While sitting in the school line for one of my kids, the passenger headrest (AHR system) malfunctioned and protruded forward. If the force behind the protrusion would have hit someone it could have caused a concussion, if it would have been the driver, could have caused an accident if in motion. Having issues with Dodge warranting for the repair, have ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 while driving approximately 45 MPH,... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant warning light illuminated, and the engine temperature became elevated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the contact stated that after repairing the vehicle, the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
We have had our 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid since [XXX]. This was a factory ordered vehicle. There have been no indications that there is any issue with the vehicle. About a week ago while driving the vehicle a warning came on the speedometer screen that said "Pull over safely the vehicle is about to turn off". The check engine light also came on. Once the vehicle was pulled over to the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
My daughter [XXX] had an oil change on 2-23-2024, and was told that fluid was leaking. In less than 2 weeks, the leakage had worsen. All the electrical components were flashing and the vehicle was cutting on and off. Eventually it stopped running. Her fiance, [XXX] , had the vehicle towed to an auto repair shop that specializes in European cars on 3-25-2024. She was quoted for a new engine, cost ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned using a hand-held diagnostic machine. The DTC code 02: Ignition Decay 1/Belt Tensioner Driver was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 195... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned using a hand-held diagnostic machine. The DTC code 02: Ignition Decay 1/Belt Tensioner Driver was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 195... Read more