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: Oct 8, 2024
When trying to accelerate from a stop either in an intersection or from a driveway the vehicle takes a long moment before it responds... leaving my family vulnerable to cars coming from the opposite direction. I think it's the transmission but it could have to do with the fuel intake... it has been ongoing for months and months. The dealer has attempted to rectify but to not avail....very dangerou... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
My car is always hesitating to go , sometimes it will slow considerably down and won’t go , and my engine lights pops on and starts flashing. I have to turn my car off and turn it back on. That’s very dangerous Ive almost been hit like that AND I HAVE TWO KIDS!!!!!
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
New Versa delivered 8/16/2024. Rear seat belt alarm will NOT chime when 1,2, or 3 passenger(s) are seated in the rear without fastening their seatbelts. However when passenger(s) DO buckle in properly, the alarm falsely and unnecessarily chimes for 45+ seconds.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Road departure mitigation cruise control collision mitigation emission systems not working when I drive my car it stalled
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Road departure mitigation cruise control collision mitigation emission systems not working when I drive my car it stalled
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
My ford escape had a recall for lower engine block back in late 2020. As of yesterday they are now telling me I need to get the same part they replaced then replaced again. Its been under 23k miles since the recall replacement was done and they want to charge me 9k
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
My ford escape had a recall for lower engine block back in late 2020. As of yesterday they are now telling me I need to get the same part they replaced then replaced again. Its been under 23k miles since the recall replacement was done and they want to charge me 9k
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel, the steering became tight. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent and the contact was inf... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Something with throttle it will shake and slow down at a certain speed
Crash
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The indirect measurement TPMS system of this car has misdetected low tire pressure on three occasions. Most recently, on October 3 while driving on the freeway at about 70 MPH the TPMS alert illuminated. I checked the information screen and the display showed low pressure in all four tires. Because I have had misdetection of the right front tire twice before, and that it seemed very unlikely that ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The indirect measurement TPMS system of this car has misdetected low tire pressure on three occasions. Most recently, on October 3 while driving on the freeway at about 70 MPH the TPMS alert illuminated. I checked the information screen and the display showed low pressure in all four tires. Because I have had misdetection of the right front tire twice before, and that it seemed very unlikely that ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while attempting to drive out of a parking space, the message "Power Assist Failure" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) needed to be reprogrammed, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
I had to replace lugs on my F250 due to swelling/warping. This could have been a major safety issue.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an audible pinging sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and an oil change was performed. The contact was informed that the oil level was low; however, there was no indication of an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. In addition, the co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the driver’s side doors failed to latch closed. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to get another driver’s attention, he became aware that the horn was not functioning as needed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regula... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the driver’s side doors failed to latch closed. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to get another driver’s attention, he became aware that the horn was not functioning as needed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regula... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the driver’s side doors failed to latch closed. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to get another driver’s attention, he became aware that the horn was not functioning as needed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regula... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2021
225/45r17 Dry rot on all four tires less than three years old - and actually used for fewer than 18 months as alternated with winter tires - crack runs entire circumference of tire - deep - at joining of sidewall to tread. Nokian has said that this is “cosmetic sidewall cracking” - there is nothing cosmetic about it and each tire dealer I have visited reports that the tires are unsafe and ne... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2022
While driving my vehicle in snowy conditions, my vehicle slammed on the brakes and sensed a collision. The sensors were covered with snow, and typically, the sensors will turn off when they are obstructed. At the time I was going 30-35 MPH in 1-2 inches of snow and my vehicle detected a possible collision and auto-braked, bringing me to an immediate stop. Should there have been a vehicle immediate... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
rccd email. nhsta david chin on 04 envoy vin and smog cali fraud.. ended case sold vehicle to pick a part. did not sur dealer. purchased 1 month later Carmax Ontario california 2019 subaru outback. nhsta states moonroof and pedestrian braking for ev and hybrid u5 engine. this outback has no moonroof nor is it an ev or hybrid. owned by enterprise rent a car and subaru santa monica prior as grey in ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
rccd email. nhsta david chin on 04 envoy vin and smog cali fraud.. ended case sold vehicle to pick a part. did not sur dealer. purchased 1 month later Carmax Ontario california 2019 subaru outback. nhsta states moonroof and pedestrian braking for ev and hybrid u5 engine. this outback has no moonroof nor is it an ev or hybrid. owned by enterprise rent a car and subaru santa monica prior as grey in ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The Balmar alternator is going bad on my 2023 transit on my 2024 Winnebago Ekko. It is starting to whine which in the past leads to a fire in the engine compartment on others units. It is recommended to pull the 4 wire plug that goes Balmar regulator in the lithonics battery compartment, which I did to prevent any additional damage. So without the Balmar unit the batteries will only charge plugg... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Brake module is not working traction control not working and cruise control not work because of brake module not working
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
HIGH BEAM LIGHTS FAILED ON, THE HI-LO BEAM SWITCH IN TURN, HAZARD, WIPER COMBO SWITCH LATER OVERHEATED, BURN UP, SMOKE IN CABIN CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF LAMPS, WIPERS AT NIGHT IN RAIN. CLEARLY A COMMON ISSUE BASED ON WEB. IF YOU ARE GOING TO SEND FULL LOAD CURRENT WITH NO CONTROL RELAYS FORCE A HIGHER STANDARD ON DESIGN MARGINS AND AND MTTF. YOU HAVE (4) HEAD LAMPS ON A CAR NO REASON A DESIGN SHOU... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The vehicle shutters and has stalled while trying to cross an intersection, almost causing an accident while my children were in the car. It will shutter at take off from a complete stop and will randomly change gears while driving at a constant speed on a level road. When it stalls the wheel locks up as well preventing you from steering off the road and to safety
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The vehicle shutters and has stalled while trying to cross an intersection, almost causing an accident while my children were in the car. It will shutter at take off from a complete stop and will randomly change gears while driving at a constant speed on a level road. When it stalls the wheel locks up as well preventing you from steering off the road and to safety
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
Ford Escape is experiencing multiple symptoms: * Fuel smell in the cabin * Sluggish acceleration * Hard start (cranks several seconds without ignition) after refueling * (RARE) Engine stall when coming to a stop.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
Ford Escape is experiencing multiple symptoms: * Fuel smell in the cabin * Sluggish acceleration * Hard start (cranks several seconds without ignition) after refueling * (RARE) Engine stall when coming to a stop.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
I believe I should not be charged for the needed repairs of my car. The dealership is charging me $7200 for repairs which I had nothing to do with. There are recalls pertaining to my vehicle. I posted the notes sent to me from the dealership. Note from tech: Verified the concern, engine has a misfire, CEL on some white smoke when started and also low on coolant. Hook up the IDS and found codes P... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
I believe I should not be charged for the needed repairs of my car. The dealership is charging me $7200 for repairs which I had nothing to do with. There are recalls pertaining to my vehicle. I posted the notes sent to me from the dealership. Note from tech: Verified the concern, engine has a misfire, CEL on some white smoke when started and also low on coolant. Hook up the IDS and found codes P... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
Been complaining about his front steering key suspension since 2020 about rattling and squeaking whenever customer turn in the wheel
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
My vehicle is burning engine oil within a short period of time. I was told my several mechanics that a part was recalled on my vehicle to fix this issue.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
Seen on the internet where there was a recall for a brake booster....checking to see if mine can be fixed or has it already been fixed.....
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
Lane change turn signal/indicator buttons stop working. Multiple times go to change lanes and the indicators have disabled themselves. There are no stalk based turn signals/indicators on the 2024 Tesla 3, only steering wheel indicator touch buttons. Searching on internet says the buttons can disable themselves on Tesla 3 if you rest your fingers near the indicator buttons. This is a huge problem ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 17,000.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Volkswagon is being irresponsible with their response to resolving the door issue on my vehicle. The door has opened twice while driving as clearly related to an electrical issue. This is a very dangerous scenario as I cannot predict which door opens at which time. It could be any. I have a video of my door jamb. My vehicle is brand new with 0 damage, this is clearly a manufacturer defect that VW ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
The vehicle has a digital instrument panel. Today the instrumental panel started flickering, sometimes all warning lights will flash, and then the panel will go completely black/blank while driving. Sometimes a red "NO SIGNAL" warning will flash across the screen. When this happens, there's no speedometer, engine temperature, or any information about the vehicle. This vehicle is 1-month old an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Truck had no check engine light then caught on fire going down the road and burned to ground within seconds Incident report 46-24-05039 08_30-74 US-30 - PA 74 30 W
Fire
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
Front left safety restraint system fault/Service is required
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
The engine was randomly low on coolant, so I refilled the reservoir 2 days ago. Now I received a service engine soon light triggered by code P0303, Cylinder 3 misfire. I believe that my vehicle is affected by the Ford 1.5L EcoBoost coolant leaking into the engine cylinder issue.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
ABS and TRACTION CONTROL warning lights appear and disappear. Timing of warning lights have no discernable pattern. Vehicle has had no collisions and only 120,000 miles. Vehicle will be going in for inspection at garage.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Subject: Airbag System Issue - Honda HRV 2016 (Rebuilt Title) Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a potential safety issue with the airbag system in my 2016 Honda HRV, which has a rebuilt title. On [XXX] after returning to my vehicle from shopping at a Costco parking lot, I noticed that the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light had turned on. To the best of my knowledge, there were n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
My 2014 Hyundai Sonata is subject to the recall campaign for the 2.0L and 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. Since June 24, 2024, the vehicle has exhibited multiple issues: 1. Check Engine Light: The check engine light is continuously on and blinking, signaling that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Diagnostic codes retrieved include P0140 (O2 Circuit), P0172 (System Too Rich), and P0126... Read more
BMW
C650 GT MAXI-SCOOTER
(2014) - ENGINE
Oct 4, 2024
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Excessive oil consumption before first oil change due, bought vehicle used less then month before service due. Vehicle has 102,102 miles oil dipstick showed no oil on dipstick. Bought oil and filled to recommended level 2 days before 1st oil change. Made dealership aware and scheduled a appointment for oil consumption issue.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
Anti-lock Braking System module failure due to poor/defective manufacturing and/or parts. This is a known issue with 2018 RAM 2500/3500 trucks. Safety is at risk due to failure of the ABS module which affects stopping performance. The RAM delear has diagnosed the issue as intermittent. The warning lights go on/off constantly while driving causing a distraction as well. This part should be rec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The back seat latches will not buckle. This just started and had not been an issue until now. The middle and back passenger seat belts do not latch.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
One day the car didn’t want to speed up and we almost had a car wreck
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
Brake pedal very hard, lots of pressure to stop vehicle. Has been inspected by a certified mechanic. To be checked out by local Ford dealership Oct. 8,2024 No warning.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at a traffic light, the engine Auto START/STOP feature engaged, and the engine turned off; however, upon depressing the brake pedal to resume driving, the vehicle failed to respond, rolled backward, and nearly struck another vehicle. The contact depressed the brake pedal several times and the vehicle stoppe... Read more