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 41,082 complaints for BMW
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Vehicle has experienced, unexpected, slight and brief, acceleration 3 times at highway speeds up to 60 mph. The 4th incident was an uncontrolled acceleration when parking behind another parked vehicle. Car accelerated into the backend of parked vehicle. Operator was at a complete stop and needed to pull forward a few feet. They took foot off of brake and lightly pressed the gas peddle. The ca... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
While driving I heard noises, like “flap,flap,flap”. Pulled over to look at the tire and saw that the tire was peeling. Changed to the donut spare tire and went to “Firestone” 5 days later to have a new tire put on because the original service shop, “Mr King auto services center”, would not take any responsibility for a the tire that was purchased and installed by them 6 months prior. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
While driving I heard noises, like “flap,flap,flap”. Pulled over to look at the tire and saw that the tire was peeling. Changed to the donut spare tire and went to “Firestone” 5 days later to have a new tire put on because the original service shop, “Mr King auto services center”, would not take any responsibility for a the tire that was purchased and installed by them 6 months prior. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
MY 2022 Ford Escape THE ENGINE SHAKES REALLY BAD THERE ARE NEW BRAKES PADS ON MY CAR AND MY RIMS ARE FILL WITH DUST FROM THE BRAKES
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The Frame has rust under door panel broke Car Frame body near battery cave in hole and rusting hole in trunk near spare tire.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Collision Mitigation automatically engaged causing vehicle to brake when unnecessary. Once after excelling from a redlight and again when entering a highway on ramp. After occurring twice in a 6 month period it's now become permanently disabled with dash warnings. Braking System Error. Collision Mitigation Breaking System Error. TPMS Error.
Incident date: May 27, 2024
At idle the engine idles roughly and rotates randomly at speeds from 300 to 900 RPM. When starting from a stop such as a traffic light or when pulling onto a roadway hesitation is often noted and on several occasions this has resulted in near accidents as the vehicle won't proceed as required to move through an intersection.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the braking system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. The contact stated that the failure was due to a failure with the computer reading the speed limit as 45 MPH instead of 65 MPH. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to operate the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift out of neutral. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle became loosened. The vehicle was left at the local dealer for further diagnostic testing. In addition, the contact stated that the front w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The push button turn signals occasionally do not work. The buttons are completely unable to be pushed and activated. This issue occurs several times a day when attempting lane changes, left and right turns. I am unable to duplicate the issue on-command, but it occurs often enough and in situations where it is very dangerous, particularly in traffic when a turn signal is necessary and it will not a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 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 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. Parts distribution di... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 428i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
We were driving back from suffolk virginia along [XXX] - which has two lanes in both directions. It was a sunny day with clear skies. I had cruise control enabled. There were no other cars visible on the road in either direction in front or behind us. Suddenly and without warning the car slammed on the breaks - "phantom breaking". If somebody was behind us it could have easily been a crash. We co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after a hurricane, there was water damage inside the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that water had entered the vehicle through the rubber seal of the windshield. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Alfa Romeo issued a recall for the tire information sticker as it inaccurately reflected the correct tire pressure for the rear tires. The tire pressure listed on the original sticker listed the correct tire pressure lower than required. The low tire pressure resulted in the rear tires failing prematurely and several thousand miles before the front tires. Even though the tires were low, the TPMS ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment, the check engine light had illuminated and the vehicle's speed suddenly reduced to under 30 MPH. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal he was depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, when the signal changed, and as he released the brake pedal, the vehicle was not turning on. The contact placed the vehicle in park (P) and restarted the engine. The contact stated that his vehicle is equipped with the Engine Off-On feature. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal he was depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, when the signal changed, and as he released the brake pedal, the vehicle was not turning on. The contact placed the vehicle in park (P) and restarted the engine. The contact stated that his vehicle is equipped with the Engine Off-On feature. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The 2016 GMC have an open recall for the Transmission Temp Sensor. It is throwing the code P0711 and P0700. For some unknown reason, my VIN is not qualifying for the recall.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
SVC 4WD warning. Diagnosed at Jeep Dealership (Recommend replace due to CODE C14A7-97 - PTU Motor-Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked. Part is on a back-order status, the only information provided from the manufacturer is they are working to obtain part status. We have no ETA on part at this time.) Part is not available, and car can't be driven
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Sunroof/moonroof will no longer close. It is stuck in the open position and this will cause water to enter the cabin if it rains. The vehicle was examined by the dealer and they confirmed that a component is fault and will need to be replaced. No warning lamps or additional symptoms were noticed prior to the sunroof malfunctioning. The vehicle only has 44,100 miles.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal and brake pedal felt stiff and the vehicle had jolted while depressing the brake pedal before losing automotive power. The check engine, brake, transmission, and several other warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after accelerating from a stop, the v... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal and brake pedal felt stiff and the vehicle had jolted while depressing the brake pedal before losing automotive power. The check engine, brake, transmission, and several other warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after accelerating from a stop, the v... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Both side mirrors shake vigorously while driving at any speed. It is very hard to focus and see the image in the side mirrors. Most of the time I have to use the rear view mirror to see behind me. The shaking is so severe that sometimes if I’m looking at the side mirror trying to see it will make my head hurt.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
transmission jerks and bucks when shifting and when driving on high way it shakes so bad it messes with the steering wheel.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact stated owns a 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that the electrical switch had previously been replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system was updated under warranty. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the instrument panel and the infotainment system screen turned black. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
ABS/traction control warning lights and alarm intermittently on and off during driving, speed control does not work during the alarm cycle. ABS not working when warning comes on
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
ABS/traction control warning lights and alarm intermittently on and off during driving, speed control does not work during the alarm cycle. ABS not working when warning comes on
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the vehicle began to shake as the check engine light appeared on the instrument. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle began to hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the vehicle remained in the dealer's possessio... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
driving @ nite on[XXX] [XXX] doing 70mph on cruise control all of a sudden my 2016 kia sorento loss power! then the instrument cluster lit up like a x-mas tree. check oil, check engine, and everything else in between was blinking on and off. very lucky there was an exit ramp up ahead and no vehicles on the right lane. safely got off the freeway and parked on the side of the road. very fortunate it... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that the instrument cluster speedometer and gauges were inoperable during cold temperatures. On several occasions, the instrument cluster screen was flickering. The contact had to bang on the dashboard for it to turn the instrument panel on. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to steer and did not function as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a failed electronic power steering assist module. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Toyota 2017. 75000 miles transmission is bad
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) 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 not ex... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owned a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while slowing down to stop a second vehicle traveling approximately 50 MPH, crashed into the rear of the vehicle. During the crash, the contact's vehicle was pushed into the rear of a third vehicle causing severe damage to the vehicle's frontend. The contact indicated that the front driver and passenger side air bags did not deploy and ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Vehicle keeps breaking down and constant maintenance is needed. From oil pump to engine and alternator issues. Worst purchase ever
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Vehicle keeps breaking down and constant maintenance is needed. From oil pump to engine and alternator issues. Worst purchase ever
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
There is an existing recall for certain Audi Q7 front side marker lights (Audi recall campaign 97CB, NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) but this recall is too narrow. It does not include my vehicle but I have the same problem. Many other Q7 owners do as well. The Audi dealership will not honor repair or replacement, not even under warranty. The only way to fix this problem according to Audi is to purcha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
bought vehicle with Mopar warranty, the fuel filter housing sensor failed and was leaking diesel fuel into the wiring harness which could cause a fire in the electrical system, truck has been at the dealer for over a month and Stellantis just went and stopped making the wiring harness part number 68474576AD with no replacement, they will not return calls from us or the dealer. We are at wits end ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
My drivers door was making strange noises and not staying open. Took it to a ford dealer. They assessed it needed to be replaced as others are having the same issue. When I got my car back, now I can’t roll my window down except for a few inches. Safety issue! I’ve been waiting at least 4 months for a new door. The passenger side is to be fixed also because faulty parts were used when it was m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The vehicle loses brake pressure at the pedals halfway point when decelerating and attempting to come to a complete stop. The brake pressure is not consistent and requires pushing the pedal to the floor which will grab and release and grab again. The dealerships refuse to acknowledge or test for this. A recall has been issued. A repair has been attempted without resolve. I need your help with inde... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would abruptly downshift to first gear without warning. The vehicle would resume normal operation soon after the initial failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was given a diagnostic fee to have the vehicle inspected. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the dow... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
I received a notification by email from NHTSA about a recall for our 2023 Hyundai Kona N. It states that the recall has to do with Loss of Drive Power from Fuel Pump Failure. Your recall ID 24V528 sent July 22, I phoned the dealer, Mike Murphy in Peoria, Illinois and they could not find this recall. I have an appointment with them on Oct 24 to bring in my car for an oil change and to fix a recal... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
The infotainment screen has delaminated rendering it unusable and will intermittantly interrupt the backup camera while moving. This is the second screen already with this issue in my vehicle
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
While driving vehicle looses throttle power, goes into limb mode. Does not throw any codes. Turn the car off then back on and drives fine for a little bit. Has happened numerous times. Multiple trips to the dealership but since no codes pop up nothing can be fixed. Major safety issue!!!!
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
While driving vehicle looses throttle power, goes into limb mode. Does not throw any codes. Turn the car off then back on and drives fine for a little bit. Has happened numerous times. Multiple trips to the dealership but since no codes pop up nothing can be fixed. Major safety issue!!!!
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Since delivery of my new Tesla Model 3, the haptic turn signal buttons intermittently fail to register inputs despite repeated presses. This issue began immediately and occurs without any warning lamps or error messages. I am requesting the NHTSA to investigate this matter promptly due to the significant safety risks posed by the malfunctioning turn signal system in the Tesla Model 3. The inabili... Read more