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: Apr 8, 2024
The driver's side mirror vibrates excessively when traveling on the highway or at higher speeds (50+ mph). This has been present ever since taking delivery of the new vehicle on [XXX] and poses a safety risk as it compromises visibility to adjacent traffic. The problem was confirmed by the dealer on [XXX] and repaired according to manufacturer TSB 09-018/24. However, the problem continued to persi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The ABS and electronic brake system service warning is going off. I scheduled an appointment and the Ram dealer and after inspection claims that HCU-ABS Hydraulic Control unit needs to be replaced. This seems to be a very common issue with the RAM 2017 2500 model.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Tread separating from belt. Only 17k miles on new car. 3 of 4 tires were affected. Tire size 245/35r20
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
When slowing down for a traffic light vehicle salled and e-brake was automatically engaged, Also happened when making a slow right hand turn, Has happened twice so far. Both times tok into dealer and it could not be reproduced. No warning for it happening and all software was up to date,
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
When slowing down for a traffic light vehicle salled and e-brake was automatically engaged, Also happened when making a slow right hand turn, Has happened twice so far. Both times tok into dealer and it could not be reproduced. No warning for it happening and all software was up to date,
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Crank no start scanner saying it is in 3rd gear not park.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
Crank no start scanner saying it is in 3rd gear not park.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and turn off the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the water pump and thermost... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
Was driving up highway and all of a sudden it felt like the car was hesitating and had hard time shifting gears, when you pushed on the gas the Rpms would go up and down but it seemed like the car wouldn’t go anywhere. I was in the left lane and traffic if going 70, 80 mph and the car would not go anywhere. It had to be towed to a garage. We was almost rear ended because we couldn’t get the ca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
transmission needs to be replaced as it went bad. getting done 7/15/24 for a cost of $7,041. only 68,000 miles on the car and just out of warranty. these need to be recalled and or owners be reimbursed for costs related to replacement and/or rebuilding.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
Auto lost all power. No instruments visible. Propulsion system would not charge. Thankfully vehicle at a stop when occurred. Unable to drive. Car as dead as a home in a power outage. Everything dark. Nothing electrical worked. Had to use emergency manual key to enter vehicle. Tow truck driver said this was the 4th Hyundai Ioniq 5 he towed that week. All dead. Car at dealer awaiting diag... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2014
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Complete engine lockup during operation at speed which caused steering and braking to be greatly hampered. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine failed on a 4-lane highway in traffic which could have easily caused a high-speed accident since the car extremely decelerat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the lane assist was activated, however, the vehicle independently steered to the right. The contact stated that the failure occurred on a two-lane road. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle crashed into a ditch, where there was a concrete covert where... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering intermittently malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owned a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 10 MPH and coming to a stop light, inadvertently the front driver-side wheel detached from the vehicle, which led her to collide with a vehicle that was parked on the right side. As a result, all of the underneath of the vehicle was damaged. The contact stated that the wheel flew ... Read more
Crash
5 injured
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
The solar roof has cracked. The car is parked outside during the day time, so is exposed to sunlight all day. However, we live in a temperate environment with highs in 70's. We don't notice any chips, but extensive cracks. We dont know how long the cracks existed, as they are pretty extensive when we noticed them.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I have attempted numerous times to take my car to the dealership and charged for services fees as well only to be told the part is not available however they can get the part if needed. My engines lights and collision mitigation systems continue to light up and inoperative. This concerns me being that it’s been almost a year driving my car with this re call and nothing has been done for the wher... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
There are 3 major issues/concerns with this vehicle. 1. Sunroof/Roof - This rooftop does not seal completely. Initially this roof would rattle and you could hear squeaks and movement. Then the sunroof would only open on a half and then soon not at all. Because of this, the top is never fully sealed leaving water to leak inside in different areas potentially causing more issues to the electrical ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
The horn on my car is triggered by a small flat electric "button" on the right side of the steering wheel. There is no horn when you hit the middle of the steering wheel. It is very difficult (and unsafe) to quickly react to a situation when you have to look down to find the horn. When backing out of a parking spot, the horn moves to my left side due to the wheel being turned. Several time... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE SHUTS COMPLETELY OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. JEEP DEALER SAID NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION, I HAVE BEEN ALMOST INVOLVED IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE ON THE COMPUTER WHO HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
My ABS system has started going off and on intermittently but regularly. It turns my cruise control off and creates a hazardous situation with both traveling on interstate and when raining as I have no ABS.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
My ABS system has started going off and on intermittently but regularly. It turns my cruise control off and creates a hazardous situation with both traveling on interstate and when raining as I have no ABS.
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Active air lap warning. Active air flap malfunction.
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Coolant bypass valve replacement has been happening to many new Toyotas and needs to be recalled
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? — ACCELERATOR PEDAL. YES, AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? — DUE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEFECT, IT RESULTED IN ONE CASUALTY AND ONE INJURY. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? — YES, SERVICE R... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission erroneously downshifted from sixth gear to third gear causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate, nearly causing a semi-truck to crash into the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
I lease a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xE. On November 13, 2023, I was at making a turn and came to a stop and then when I went to accelerate it wouldn't move and gear shifter was flashing for park. So, I moved it to park at the same time had a service electrical system warning with a picture of the charging port. I was not able to drive and was now locked in park. I had to open the panel near the s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
BMW issues a customer care package regarding issues with the fuel injectors. I originally had to have #8 injector replaced. Shortly after leaving dealership the check engine light came on. To find out now that the catalytic converter on that side of the engine needed replaced ($3400) which they would not provide any assistance on, even though it was most likely caused by the excess fuel being pass... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact called for Roadside assistance; however, the tow truck driver was unable to jumpstart the vehicle. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Upon driving, the Left control arm snapped in two. The car veered to the left but I was able to regain control fortunately. Ten minutes prior I had been on a major highway. Results may have been different in that regard. Firestone Complete Auto Care assessed it and quoted me up to $600.00 for repair. I researched the Control Issue only to discover that this was a common problem on 2013 Nissan Alt... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2019
I was driving my 2018 Kia Sedona on [XXX]. I had all 4 of my kids with me in the van, I heard a click, click, click, then the car went dark, in the middle of the road no warning nothing. There was no light or anything that came on as a warning. It just died. It was scary to go through that with my kiddos. We are devastated as the car is only 6yrs old and it wont work at all. Had it towed to my loc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
After a 20 minute drive and arriving at destination, I put the vehicle in park and tried to exit the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The driver door would not open by pulling the handle. I tried unlocking & locking the vehicle with the button on the side of the door, but it did not activate the locks. I also tried using the key fob and it would not unlock or lock the vehicle. I then put the car... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The dashboard on this has turned a very bright LIME GREEN. It is very hard to drive this at night because it is severely blinding to see the road. I have contacted Freightliner and Winnebago and I keep getting the run around. This happened when this was still under warrantee and I have been trying to get someone to help me.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at 5-10 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and failed to restart. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminate... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz S600. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the active body control warning light illuminated, after which the front suspension lowered to the ground, preventing the vehicle from being driven. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the hydro-pneumatic suspension pump and high-pressure hose. The vehicle was not repaired. After inve... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the rear axle frame cracked, and the contact felt as if the vehicle was going to flip over. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the rear axle frame was cracked, and that the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
Had van since new oil changed on time check engine light came on for cam shaft sensor crank sensor replaced all sensors and van still runs like crap ive been told by many shops to take to dealer and tell them… there are many other cars with same motor getting recalls but this van doesnt get any??? Can you help us out… the van well taken care of and taken to dealers for oil and tires and etc th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the doors locked independently. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The contact stated that on the last occasion, the doors locked independently while her daughter was inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
In temperatures above 95 degrees the vehicle shifts into neutral while driving, and you need to physically hold the shift lever in Drive or Reverse to keep it out of neutral. It won't go into park at all unless you restart. This could cause a fatal accident while driving, particularly on the freeway. It has not yet been confirmed since it only happens at very high temperatures, which is rare where... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
Sunroof went off track and will not close. Took it to the dealership and it will need a totally new sunroof assembly totaling $5,000 because the sunroof got off track on its own.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Infotainment/back up camera failure when reversing and while driving today. Kia corporate has been aware of issue since April 2021 and has yet to resolve to attempt to fully diagnose. Dealership claimed they checked "every" wiring harness for water exposure due to ongoing water issues from dash. Kia claimed they would work with me during our BBB arbitration and have had zero contact since. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
If vehicle is parked in sun the front facing camera and laser located at the top of the windshield overheat then when the vehicle is started the overheated front facing camera is offline so the collision, lane depart/assist and auto dimming system will not boot so those safety features are offline and your screen with your instrument cluster is obstructed by warning messages. If you park in the sh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
I received a critical safety recall regarding side air bags from Rivian regarding my 2023 R1S on June 14. After multiple attempts by me to connect with their Customer Service, I was informed that a mobile service technician would come to fix the issue on August 26, 2024. This would be more than 60 days after Rivian's initial notification. Additionally, on July 6 2024, when I turned on the vehicle,... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
We are currently on a family vacation going from CA to Nebraska and our 2023 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid completely shut down on us while driving through Las Vegas. A warning came up on the dash stating “slow down, engine will be shutting down”. We were on a main freeway and almost got hit because of this. We had our two kids in the car and are so upset this happened especially because we just bo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes) 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 contact stated while driving at an undis... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while starting the vehicle, with cloud of white exhaust smoke coming from the tailpipe intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
This vehicle is the C70 convertible. When driving and hitting a speed bump or a pothole, both the driver and passenger doors pop open from a fully closed state to a partially open state. The doors do NOT fully disengage but in the partially closed state the doors rattle and shake. When this happens, the "door open" warning light appears on the dashboard, and you need to fully open the door and t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
About 6 months ago I believe I file a complaint about this same issue and here I am again. A few nights ago driving home from the movies with my kids out of nowhere my headlights go out so I had to use my fog lights to make it home. I can't understand how isn't this a safety issue and why hasn't anyone done anything about it or why isn't there a recall. What is the wait? Are we waiting for a trage... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, after 15 minutes of driving, a quarter tank of fuel had been consumed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired... Read more