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: Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); 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 had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made awar... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The headlights intermittently turn off when driving at night. Usually it’s related to using the turn signal, but sometimes it does it completely on its own. Puts others and self at risk as driving down remote roads in the dark and lights cutting out for several seconds can be deadly. Dealer claims they cannot replicate after having the car for nearly 13 weeks total. (7 weeks first time, did not ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
Uconnect System pushed an update to an out of warranty vehicle. The OTA (over-the-air) update bricked (boot loop) the system that also includes the backup camera. The system continually reboots even with the car in the OFF position. If left, it will drain the battery and I cannot start the vehicle. I am forced to pull the fuse and am unable to use the backup saftey camera. No guidance fro... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
Whenever I shut off my 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid or when I am about to turn it on, a message appears on the touchscreen that says: "System off to save battery, please turn ignition off or start engine." I have replaced the battery but I get the same error message. When I took the car to Firestone, they performed a Diagnostic which did not indicate that there was anything wrong with the battery. When... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
Sunroof wouldn’t slide back to open, but the back of the sunroof tilted opened. Now it doesn’t close completely and dealership said can’t close it and it would be $4700 to fix.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
ABS / BRAKE / TRACTION CONTROL/CRUISE CONTROL I am having problems with the list above. I have had my brakes, rotors and abs sensors replaced. Not to mention the dealership (Nyle Maxwell -Killeen, TX) supposedly did thorough check up and also changed out all the brake necessities a few years back. ****I will NEVER take my truck back to them EVER.**** The problem is because of this, I am a hazard... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
With less than 9,000 miles driven on the vehicle, the entire brake system failed as I was driving. I have since learned that there was a faulty master brake cylinder installed when the vehicle was built. No brake fluid was getting to any of the brakes. When the incident occurred, I was able to pump the brake pedal all the way to the floor in order to get the vehicle to stop. I felt the power brake... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
Per the dealership: Lifter failure, crankshaft failure, metal shavings in the oil. Complete engine failure.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the START/STOP, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that one of the spark plugs was misfiring and the ignition coils might need to be replaced. The independent mechanic requested to perform another diagnostic test on... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the START/STOP, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that one of the spark plugs was misfiring and the ignition coils might need to be replaced. The independent mechanic requested to perform another diagnostic test on... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Yesterday, my car was working fine. This afternoon October 1, 2024, when I turned on the engine I saw a prompt “CMBS problem” on the screen. Warning signs/lamps lit up as well, 1. Adaptive control cruise problem, Road departure mitigation system problem, collision mitigation system problem, and auto high beam problem. I have not contacted the dealership about this current issue because I pla... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
While driving the speed suddenly reduced and brakes locked up on me. I was lucky enough to be able to veer to the left and get off the busy street without crashing into anyone or anything. When I stopped the car cut off and would not start back up even with a jump. This happened to me twice before and they did a recall on the same part. I need ot fixed again. I also had to replace the battery ever... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message "Drivetrain Failure" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed. The contact stated that the fuel system needed to be replaced. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
My circumstances are EXACTLY as described in a release 12/19/2019 Tech Service Bulletin A002 I experienced the vibration in my steering wheel that caused me to be suspect that there was something wrong in the drive train. Upon further investigation. I noticed that an oil seal was leaking, and when I dug a little deeper, I noticed gears that were broken and shaved down and then stopped at a Kenwor... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive, the vehicle unexpectedly lurched forward. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive, the vehicle unexpectedly lurched forward. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
I am not sure of what actual component(s) failed, but I do know that a brake line that had braided steel broke and spewed brake fluid failed- this line comes off the master cylinder to ABS module. Mechanic attempted replacement and there is still no pressure in the brake line. Mechanic believes it is the brake booster now that caused the line failure to occur. The vehicle and components are availa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
The key will not come out of the ignition when turned off and in park. The battery runs with no way to turn it off. This is a known issue with a defective part. Subaru will not cover the repair.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, moved the rear seat, and observed that the fuel pump was protruding upwards. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, moved the rear seat, and observed that the fuel pump was protruding upwards. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The frame is failing. It is available to be inspected but must be inspected on site. The camper is no longer safe to drive. After we heard a loud pop when attaching to the truck and seeing the pinbox move into the nose of the camper, we don't feel comfortable moving it. How was your safety or the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
I've been advised that the cover over the rear differential is cracked and that the entire differential needs to be replaced. It seems illogical that the cover protecting a rear differential on a Jeep vehicle would be of a material that would crack when the vehicle has not been driven under extreme conditions. Both drivers have been and are currently [XXX] and have not had any citations. My re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
09/30/2024 The smell is gasoline is emanating from the driver side after I put gas at a local gas station. A short while after I arrived home, the smell of gasoline was still strong. I observed a puddle of gas by the driver side door underneath the gas filler. I have not attempted to start the car until I know it is safe to move to a local dealership or mechanic. Any assistance would be greatly ap... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
While approaching an overpass the collision mitigation system activated my brakes nearly causing the vehicle behind me to rear end my trailer, hit my brakes so hard i was thrown forward.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
NHTSA Recall Number 24V344 This recall has been open with no resolution, time frame to resolution, or any communication whatsoever from VW of America for over 18 weeks now. Fortunately for me this issue has only affected my vehicle a few times (I'd estimate 5-10 instances) but the lack of followup and attention from VW is becoming very disconcerting. When we purchased this car in 2023 VW had ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
Multiple systems failure simultaneously. Lane Keep assist system, adaptive cruise control, braking system failure and automatic emergency braking as well as forward collision warning. This appears to be due to some fault within the system that multiple owners experience — many mentions of this issue in online forums. When taken to Honda they cannot even determine why but just start suggesting re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
Engine turned off running. Car was at Hyundai Dealer, Puerto Rico for 5 months. The car belongs to campaign lots 21-01-066H and 19-01-006H-2, which establishes alternative transportation service, or rental car coverage, the transportation service was denied. In addition, Hyundai PR did not provide me with a warranty period for the new or remanufactured engine, fuel pump and starter. A complaint wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
Well I will be driving and randomly it will pop up saying issues with pre collision fault and fault with power steering and suddenly loose power steering while driving
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
On October 31, 2020, I pulled up to the grocery store and my sunroof opened by itself. I realize it was not closing so too fast forward I found out that leaks from my sunroof had messed up my electrical wiring in my roof or filling on my car so it causes the sunroof electrical parts to stop working. Every time it rain, heavy or consistently I had a puddle of water in my front passenger seat. I’v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated with the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). The contact later checked the coolant level and discovered that the coolant level was low; the coolant was topped off and the check engine warning light disappeared. The contact stated that while h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
I would like to report a hazardous issue with the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado trailer braking power mode. The trailer braking system turns on and off when the loaded trailer is connected; this represents a security hazard since this truck is used for work and we move heavy pieces of metal and glass. This issue was reported several times to the dealership Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet in Coconut Creek, FL. A... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 BMX X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (STRUCTURE); 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 parts not avai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
Check engine light came on after a weird sound clanked on start up. Error code p1c2d03 Was told it was a major transmission problem “Not related to the previous recall” I did trade the car in immediately due to being 3000 miles from home when it happened.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
Our 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid developed an issue with the forward radar. At speed, the car produces a warning ding and then a warning message is displayed stating, "Critical Forward Safety functions are limited. Radar blocked." If the adaptive cruise control is engaged at the time of the warning, it immediately disengages, forcing the driver to quickly respond. If there is a vehicle in the adjace... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
Our 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid developed an issue with the forward radar. At speed, the car produces a warning ding and then a warning message is displayed stating, "Critical Forward Safety functions are limited. Radar blocked." If the adaptive cruise control is engaged at the time of the warning, it immediately disengages, forcing the driver to quickly respond. If there is a vehicle in the adjace... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The inside rear brake pads sustained a 66% loss of material in 9260 miles of normal driving. The vehicle was serviced on 10-03-23, 53,446 miles, the fronts pads had 7mm and the rears had 6mm. The vehicle was again service on 09-11-24, 62,706 miles, the front pads had 6mm and the rear had 2mm. I had the dealer take the rear brakes apart and check everything for why the pads wore down so fast. The f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Mazda's Driver Personalization System is highly defective and properly recognizes a driver, at best, 40% of the time. Since multiple functions are tied to this system such as seat position, steering wheel position, infotainment presets, and a variety of other vehicle preferences, this not only causes an inconvenience issue but also a safety issue. The safety problem is that one has to stop the car... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Mazda's Driver Personalization System is highly defective and properly recognizes a driver, at best, 40% of the time. Since multiple functions are tied to this system such as seat position, steering wheel position, infotainment presets, and a variety of other vehicle preferences, this not only causes an inconvenience issue but also a safety issue. The safety problem is that one has to stop the car... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Several times in the last few months I have had extremely hard braking on the highway when using adaptive cruise control (called Autopilot by Tesla). It has happened on a few different highways ([XXX] in Arizona, [XXX] in New Mexico, [XXX] in Colorado) all when going between 65-75 miles per hour. Thankfully, in most cases, there was no one directly behind me or there almost certainly would have be... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally and became unstable. The failure had occurred a second time while driving 50 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
2024 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L. The moon roof exploded as I was driving about 40 miles per hour on a 107-degree afternoon. The moon roof was puffed out from the explosion. Sounded like a shotgun going off. Android Auto inquired if there was a collision to report - due to the concussion from the explosion.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
Code U0101 is set. Unable to communicate with TCM. Troubleshooted and found TCM is bad. Removed necessary components for tcm replacement. Removed the tcm/valve body assembly and replaced. Replaced necessary gaskets and reinstalled necessary components. Set transmission fluid level to specifications per procedure. Dealer advised they stock 3 TCM at all times due to many failures and demands of TCM... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
My 2018 Hyundai sonata with only 20,821 had to have the starter replaced on [XXX] because the car would not start. I had 3 different people including AAA road service to verify why it would not start and what the problem was. I end up having my car towed with AAA to a local mechanic shop, Mike Hepler auto repair St. Cloud Florida 34769 407-593-0152, and Mike did the diagnosis saying the starte... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
I purchased a 2022 Keystone Alpine 3720MD fifth wheel RV from Bish's RV in Anderson, Indiana (Modern Trailer Sales at the time) in February of 2023. Starting in early 2024, I noticed a crack starting to form in the fiberglass exterior wall on the driver's side of the RV originating from the lower left-hand corner of the opening for the master bed slide. Over the past 7 months, that crack has con... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
The emissions modification calibration by Volkswagen causes the coolant to be exposed to elevated temperatures due to higher exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) use to control emissions. These elevated higher temperatures degrade the coolant faster than designed and lead to precipitates falling out of solution in the factory filled G13 coolant. This causes buildup and deposits to form throughout the c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The main display of the vehicle which shows Speed, Range, Blind Spot Cameras, etc - essentally all the critical vehicle information needed to drive - goes blank randomly. While the vehicle is driveable during this time, the driver does not know their speed, range, any other alerts/warnings that would typically be shown on the guage screen (including seatbelt warnings, mechanical failure warnings ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The main display of the vehicle which shows Speed, Range, Blind Spot Cameras, etc - essentally all the critical vehicle information needed to drive - goes blank randomly. While the vehicle is driveable during this time, the driver does not know their speed, range, any other alerts/warnings that would typically be shown on the guage screen (including seatbelt warnings, mechanical failure warnings ... Read more