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: 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: Sep 6, 2024
Cracked Cylinder Head. At 50,400 miles. This is far too common of a problem for such a new car with so few miles. I have seen many similar reports online. My mechanic was baffled. This is a $5k cost AT LEAST. Mazda has a history of not covering these defects. And it IS a defect, not a simple wear and tear issue. A cracked cylinder head can eventually lead to engine failure, so it is dangerous to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
When my car was stolen and crashed the whole front end was smashed in but the air bags did deploy. I saw there's several recalls on these cars, one was the airbags. I never got any recall for it and it shows there are no recalls. The brakes have problems, being that it takes forever to slow down. I have to leave about 3 car lengths ahead of me because I can't stop, it takes a while to slow it down... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The contact called on behalf of the University that owns several 2021 Proterra Catalyst Transit Bus. The University received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V697000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reas... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Vehicle has a known issue where all of the sudden the entertainment system volume will drive to 100% volume with no ability to turn it down, only off. Turning it off renders the navigation and communication screens and some other functionality inoperable. The sound is something that happens with no warning and in some instances could cause a driver to brake hard, accelerate, swerve, etc. or simp... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2019
As my wife had the wheels turned and was pulling up to the curb stop in a parking spot the car suddenly lurched forward without putting the accelerator on and went up and over the curb. Stop and hit a pole. my thoughts are is that the engine possibly changed from hybrid to gas or vice versa and as my wife’s foot was let off on the brake to inch forward to the curb stop it suddenly lunged forward... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 28, 2019
I was told from Dan Cummins where I bought my vehicle that there was a recall on my vehicle for the exhaust pipe, when I tried to get it fixed I was told there wasn’t. When I searched up the recall it says “yes there is a recall on 2023 Chevy traverse for the exhaust pipe” and where the parts are saying it’s recalled “ exhaust front intermediate pipe and the catalytic converter to front ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2019
12/2023 - Sewell BMW replaced EGR, all H/P fuel lines at injectors due to corrosion, injector harness due to heat damage to the wire jackets, cracked coolant pipe. At 145,976 that's an additional 22,315 miles on the 60,000 mile 2015 replacement engine. Total repair costs $3,939.45. 08/23/2024 - Passed inspection, odometer 149,701. 09/09/2024- Only 2 weeks later an estimate of 4,000 miles afte... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Driving on the highway approximately 55 MPH and the vehicle went automatically went into neutral thankfully I was able to pull off to the shoulder. I put it in park and shut the vehicle off and turned it back on again, when I shifted into drive it felt like somebody just picked up the car and dropped it. This has been an ongoing issue. Dealerships don’t know what it is. I’ve done research on t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH a loud booming noise occurred as the glass sunroof exploded without impact. During the incident shards of glass fell into the vehicle's cabin making contact with both the driver and the second-row passenger. The son, who was seated in the second-row passenger seat sustained a laceration on the left arm wh... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Our 2024 Buick Envista’s air conditioner does not work. The car has less than 2500 miles on it. It is in the shop for the second time. If you google search ‘Buick Envista Air Conditioner’ you’ll find multiple forums where a number of 2024 Envista owners are having the exact same issue and like me experiencing no resolve with the dealerships. I’m requesting the NHTSA consider a recall on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the Auto START/STOP function engaged, and the engine shut off as needed. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to resume driving, the vehicle started rolling backward. The contact shifted to park(P), turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated upon shifting to drive(... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
ABS Module failed triggering BRAKE light service and ABS Service light, and the ESB light. 6 month + and counting to get this OEM module. Why are you not addressing the supply chain issue......
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
Front head light flickering
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The car keeps jerking and stalling when in traffic, car line or just driving very slowly. It feels like there is not enough fuel coming to the engine and it shuts off. The message that comes on the screen- Please start engine manually. I have been numerous times to the dealer but they say they can’t help me as there is no code. Obviously the car has issues and I want someone to be responsible fo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
I've been having various start/stop issues with my car in the middle of traffic with are real safety issues. My first visit at Land Rover dealership was back on July 12, 2024 for a powertrain recall. Full inspection during that time revealed that everything else worked fine with my car expect that a new set of tires were needed. Since then, I had intermittent window and blinder issues not working ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
This is the second time in a year and a half, fuel injectors went bad an were replaced and im assuming this time is same issue. The car had a little rough idle . The car throws a check engine light and all other lights on dash come on and vehicle went into a sort of limp mode.. car would not excellerate and all safety items will not work… the injectors went bad at 59000 miles and after being cha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
This is the second time in a year and a half, fuel injectors went bad an were replaced and im assuming this time is same issue. The car had a little rough idle . The car throws a check engine light and all other lights on dash come on and vehicle went into a sort of limp mode.. car would not excellerate and all safety items will not work… the injectors went bad at 59000 miles and after being cha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
This is the second time in a year and a half, fuel injectors went bad an were replaced and im assuming this time is same issue. The car had a little rough idle . The car throws a check engine light and all other lights on dash come on and vehicle went into a sort of limp mode.. car would not excellerate and all safety items will not work… the injectors went bad at 59000 miles and after being cha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
2017 Ford Fusion with 90,000miles-Check engine light went on in the AM, no drivable concerns noticed. Took fusion to my mechanic, motor had coolant leak into cylinder #4, cylinder #4 had stopped firing. Complete 1.5L engine replacement needed. Engine coolant thermostat house gasket replaced Engine gasket kit/seals replaced Complete Engine assembly performed Removed & replaced 1.5L engine Engine Lo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
the car steering wheel first said steering fault and then after parking and less than 10 minutes, car hood was still warm, after car turned back on it said steering loss stop safely. this is after over $1300 in repairs and new tires went into the car, same day with less than 2 hours of servicing. The steering wheel in the car can no longer move at all. Not sure what to do at this point. After a fe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The dash displaying the instrument panel is bubbling up and it prevents you from reading your instruments. The glare it causes is dangerous. Hearing from other customers that own the same RV tells me this is a common issue and there should be a recall.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
The car hesitates to start and while driving jerks at around 20mph. This happened a few times in the last year. When taken to dealer, because they could not reproduce incident, said it can’t be diagnosed. I told them it jerks when accelerating at around 20mph and keeps doing it every time I have to stop at light and go again.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The vehicle was traveling on a major highway when at a red light the car stopped and the auto start/stop engaged and the car turned off. After the car turned off I could not restart it. All power to the car was lost. No lights, radio, nothing. I attempted to put the car in neutral to move it off the highway, however the car is designed in a way it can not simply just be shifted into neutral. I gra... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The vehicle was traveling on a major highway when at a red light the car stopped and the auto start/stop engaged and the car turned off. After the car turned off I could not restart it. All power to the car was lost. No lights, radio, nothing. I attempted to put the car in neutral to move it off the highway, however the car is designed in a way it can not simply just be shifted into neutral. I gra... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
This is in regard the hill hold assist on the manual transmission vehicles. The hill hold assist holds the brake for 2-3 seconds after the brake has been released, causing a delay in movement which if trying to make a quick maneuver, could cause a delay in start which could cause an accident if the driver was not prepared for it. Personally, it caused me to stall the vehicle on a hill, stopping th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
Vehicle had a complete failure due to electrical issues and was brought to dealership. It was apparently due to recall issues which were repaired. The vehicle was returned 2 weeks ago. Today, shortly after exiting a highway, while traveling approx. 15-20mph then vehicle completely shut down. It stopped suddenly and unexpectedly and went into neutral. I could not put the car back into drive or park... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
While in traffic, brand new 2024 Chevy Trailblazer vehicle has stalled on us a few times now and doesn't start right back up. It appears to happen when the vehicle is going from the fuel saving "start-stop mode" and we've found ourselves in a precarious situtations in traffic. I can foresee this happening at a very dangerous time causing a bad wreck. We just dropped the vehicle off with the dea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
Check engine light came on. P0442 code. Brought for service. Needed to replace fuel components but frame too rusted to mount parts. Told to see body shop for repair if possible. No rust on bed or body . Body shop could not repair frame. Body shop said frame is no longer safe to drive. Unable to pass state inspection. 97000 mi , no commercial use. Well maintained.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
Cross Contact LX Sport 245/50r20 102H m+s There is chucking in my tires. My car was bought new. It has 17k miles on it.
Incident date: May 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the ABS warning light along with several other unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front wheel hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persiste... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
As far as the engine, I received two different dashboard notification icons about engine issues. However, they both disappeared suddenly. Now, my car is starting to stall at random times. I looked to see if my car had a recall and it says my vehicle was not effected. But I'm wondering if it as. Also, my front collision warning is malfunctioning. There is a malfunction warning label on the dashboar... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Years and years of cp4 failures should lead to a recall. It is unsafe and will cause someone to be killed if there truck shuts off
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
I was driving down the road and a bottle was thrown out of a vehicle going the opposite direction as me. Upon impact my windshield shattered and sent shards of glass flying into the cabin of my vehicle. The shards of glass were thrown into my face and would have gone into my eyes had I not been wearing glasses. The glass broke into small shards and splinters that could have easily damaged my eyes ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started indicating that the engine was overheating, and the vehicle then lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an indepen... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
Brake fluid leaking into the cab floor of 2019 Toyota Tacoma. VIN not listed on NHTSA list. Toyota refuses to believe this is the same issue as recall, as per Yemi at 10:48AM on Sept 18, 2024 Toyota Corporate call 1-800-331-4331. Brake master cylinder diagnosed by independent, non-bias mechanic as: "Diagnosed brake fluid seeping through dust seal inside cabin running down shaft connecting the pe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
I have been having transmission issues the whole time I've had the car. There is a delay upon take off, and it bogs down instead of downshifting. I was driving my son to school and made a left turn. It started to go but then delayed for 10 seconds before suddenly taking off. If the on coming traffic had been closer, they would've hit us. The dealer has reproduced the problem but can't get enough i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH and hauling a trailer, the vehicle drove across uneven pavement, and the vehicle went into the death wobble and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact pulled over to the side of the road but found no cause for the failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low, even though the coolant reservoir had recently been refilled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Complete loss of steering. Dealer said it was a steering sensor failure but that my vin was not included in the recall for the sensor. From ford: Ford is revising the total volumes of a safety recall for approximately 5,675 2014 Ford F-150 trucks for a potential issue with the electronic power assist steering gears. The affected EPAS steering gears may have a motor position sensor magnet that was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Hello. Subaru has a recall: WUJ-95R for cracked exhaust bellows. It turns out, these bellows crack as a result of the materials used in manufacturing and have issued a Service Bulletin: 09-84-22R. My question is why is 09-84-22R a Service bulletin and not a recall like WUJ-95R? My cabin fills with exhaust fumes at low speeds when the fan is blowing and I'm not using recirculation. Subaru refuses ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
11587629 does not explain the issue I Reported 2012 Nissan Versa SV made July 2011, purchased Sep. 2011. 2022 45000 miles check engine light. o2, crankshaft position codes. A pig tail connected up stream o2 to crankshaft pos. sensor. Pig tail wires not togather, only taped' These two sensors were not connected to main wire harness.. Nissan new harness and labor $1100.+ , for what they didn... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The contact owns two Evenflo Convertible Car Seats, Model Number: 38412311, Model Type: Gold Revolve360 Extend, Manufactured Date: 11/22/2022. The contact stated that while driving, the contact became aware that her child that was in the rear-facing car seat in the rear seat had unclipped the chest clip of the car seat. The contact pulled to the side of the road and clipped the chest clip. The con... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and attempting to fasten the seat belt, the seat belt failed to retract. The failure occurred with the driver’s and passenger’s side front seat belts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the retracting mechanism had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The driver side mirror vibrates making it unusable to use. Subaru is unable to repair the problem.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
When putting vehicle in park and turning the car off, getting message to place vehicle in park and car "dinging." This started about 2 weeks ago and was intermittent, now it's every time I put the car in park and takes me about 5 minutes of turning the car on and off, placing in park before it finally registers the vehicle is in park.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVING THE TRUCK SLAMMED FROM FOURTH GEAR INTO FIRST EXTREAMLY HARD.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVING THE TRUCK SLAMMED FROM FOURTH GEAR INTO FIRST EXTREAMLY HARD.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
Unintended activation of CMBS braking and warning system causing rapid vehicle deceleration. Deactivation of active cruise control due to CMBS errors.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V566000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V381000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reaso... Read more