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: May 3, 2024
Steering has a “sticky” feeling. Similar to recall on 22-24 civics. Steering wheel will get stuck in a long turn and require extra force to correct back to center, leading to swerving into other lanes of traffic leading to accident/injuries. Seal in Steering Rack and Pinion fails, creating suction in a turn and leads to stuck steering. Problem confirmed by dealer on car with 63k miles, denied ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
My sunroof exploded for no reason while traveling at highway speeds. Fortunately my sunshade was closed preventing shattered glass from entering the cabin which could have injured me. Shattered glass also damaged the paint on top of my vehicle which will require repainting. The noise made by the glass exploding startled me and could have caused an accident in addition to the glass that flew off of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated and abruptly applied the brakes, dramatically reducing the speed of the vehicle. Later, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the Adaptive Cruise Control activated, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated, requiring the co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the cont... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I took my 2019 Ford Edge Titanium in for an oil change and tire rotation. Ford would not do a tire rotation because of the swollen lug nuts. What? 5000 miles earlier I brought the vehicle in, and Nothing was said about swollen lug nuts at that time. I was told that I would have to purchase 20 new ones for 200.00. I could purchase the Ford brand or an aftermarket brand. There is no guarantee that t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission while attempting to shift into reverse(R). The contact state that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was undetermined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 1984 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer.... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
Sticky steering at highway speeds. Have to manually correct steering causing unsafe control of vehicle.
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Vehicle won’t start on multiple occasions. Vehicle struggles to turn on and lag to turn off. Vehicle struggles to change gears to speed up
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Steering wheel issue. It jolts and shakes around when going over bumps or when parking the vehicle and steering the vehicle to a parked position, you can feel the steering shake around. Had it inspected locally and was told to take it to a dealership for a steering column issue. Feels unsafe to take on longer drives or for too long on the highway.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. 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. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
CHECK ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION WARNING, FLASHING "S"DRIVE, NO EYESIGHT, AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHTS, ALL CAME ON AT ONCE AND STAYING ON. POSSIBLE THERMO CONTROL VALVE ISSUE - NEEDS A RECALL!
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
I was driving on the freeway driving eastbound on 152 and I switch to the fast lane to pass a vehicle and the throttle stopped working, the truck lost speed and the truck turned off, a message popped on the screen saying that I needed to put it in park. I put it in park put the hazards on and attempt to restart it and it would crank but wouldn’t start. I did this until the allowed amount of time... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH or shift out of 1st gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while shifting to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was dia... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was loosened, and felt as if the steering wheel would detach. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was a manufacturing defect and took the vehicle to a local dealer; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
Driving on the freeway and I was cut off. And failed to work went sliding and had to steer into the emergency lane to avoid a collision
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
MY HORN STOPPED WORKING LAST JULY AT 7467 MILES, AND STOPPED WORKING AGAIN INJUNE AT 10,000 MILES
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
Travelling on I-95 southbound at approx. 70 mph in the right lane at least 8-10 car lengths behind another vehicle in front of me. Clear skies, 78* F, calm weather. I heard a loud, sudden noise followed by wind and what sounded like glass on my roof, thought it was fireworks or a gunshot. Pulled over to make sure my dogs are OK (all good, just spooked!) and see what happened to the car when I obse... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
When the car seat is install rear facing with the seatbelt and using the lock off clip it becomes loose after a couple of uses.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
The infotainment system has a known "ghost touch" issue. This issue caused a recall in prior models but that recall was not extended to current models. This is an extremely dangerous issue. The screen will turn on loud blasting music, randomly call people, turn off GPS, etc. at any given time. This has happened while I am driving at high speeds on the highway and has nearly gotten me into accident... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Seemingly at random a warning will pop up on the driver dashboard “Steering assist is reduced at this time”. This will lead to a engine coolant temp reading of 0 degrees, no a/c and reduced steering functionality. Through further investigation the OBD code P0128 tells us it’s a faulty Thermostat or Thermostat sensor. Even if you get these parts replaced, the issue still comes back. I’ve ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
Engine light come on at about 43000 miles. Code scanner is p052e. Upon research is a common problem with Mercedes and approximately $2000 dealer repair.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
Dealer unable to get recall parts since the inception of the recall. Dealer says they only receive a couple of DIPSTICKS a month. Long waiting list. I called Chrysler to no avail. Ridiculous wait for a dipstick!
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The truck went into limp mode while driving in the highway and did a hard shift down. The truck almost crashed due to the sudden problem. The code that came up was P0706 and P0707. From what I understand, Ford has had problems with this in previous years. The problem still occurs with my truck model as well.
Incident date: May 25, 2024
Honda's 1st letter explained limited availability with the fuel pump recall. The 2nd letter also automated a schedule with an authorized dealer, Norm Reeves Honda of West Covina. Unfortunately, the dealer claimed on 6-5-24 that this part was not available. The dealer was notified a complaint would be submitted to NHTSA.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Timing chain broken, sas light on, drivetrain malfunction…
Incident date: May 9, 2024
In my 2024 chevy equinox after about 4months of ownership, our car is no longer blowing cold air and or blowing out enough air flow. It has only gotten worst.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Cross bar key covers keep coming loose and flapping around while driving. They do not stay engaged. I note this was an issue in 2020 models. Please require another technical service bulletin requiring them to fix this. It is dangerous if it flies off while driving and hits other vehicles.
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Frunk latch does not open with the first tap due to misdesigned frunk liner trim piece. The only way to open the frunk is after first tap to simultaneously tapping open and pulling the hood upward. It is only feasible using the phone app as the vehicle comes with key-card. This creates a safety concern due to fire crew would have an issue reaching a first responder loop to disconnect a battery ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Frunk latch does not open with the first tap due to misdesigned frunk liner trim piece. The only way to open the frunk is after first tap to simultaneously tapping open and pulling the hood upward. It is only feasible using the phone app as the vehicle comes with key-card. This creates a safety concern due to fire crew would have an issue reaching a first responder loop to disconnect a battery ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
I was driving on the highway and the vehicle stalled would not start again had it towed to local repair shop where I was told the engine was blown due to no oil in the car
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The car turned off and the battery light came on. The engine then was out of oil and all the engine oil burned up prior to the oil change light coming on or signaling that the car was out of oil.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Keeps saying service trailer brake system and does not stop ringing in the dashboard it’s very distracting while driving .
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
I have an open recall on my vehicle. It is related to software defect that can affect the dashboard display that can affect the rear view camera. Currently, no remedy available. However, my main source of income comes from the ride share program. I won’t be able to earn income if my vehicle is not available. The manufacturers repeats “no remedy at this point. Need to wait.” It’s very diffi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
In brand new 2024 Kia EV9, the steering wheel shakes at or above speeds of 65mph. Replicated symptoms in all regen modes, as well as with regenerative braking turned off. Replicated symptoms with lane assist and highway driving assist both on and off. Issue presents itself on various different conditions of road surfaces. Brought vehicle to dealership service department and they stated that alig... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Pre collision assist warning, service advance track, 4 wheel drive fault all these codes showed up at the same time. Also the cheap fabric liners in the wheel wells are tearing under normal driving conditions
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
The car milage dropped Significantly, i took it to Tracy VW shop and they did not repair it , took it to Dublin VW and they did took 2 weeks replacing a battery cell then they found another defective electric cable that is on backorder with no eta for replacement , i am paying for gas and for fixing on a loaner car rather that drive my own car
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The vehicle experiences a sudden loss of power/acceleration randomly. Sometimes this happens while driving on the freeway and I cannot accelerate to move to the shoulder. Other times, I can accelerate but very slowly. When this happens, the check engine light will come on and I also receive a powertrain malfunction alert on my Ford app. This issue first occurred on [XXX] - I had to have it towed t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
I own a 2012 Camry LE with about 70,000 miles which is in excellent condition and well-maintained. Recently I began to hear a rattle, tapping or knocking sound apparently from somewhere in the left engine or cabin area. I feel confident its sources is possibly a steering column issue. You sort of feel it whenever you have some rough road surface; and if it’s a bump you hear the metal knock. W... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Took my car for a doorknob repair and was told the whole subframe is rotted. They told me not to drive the car on the highway. The car brakes very hard to the right and always goes right while making cranking noises. Car feels very unsafe. I paid a lot of money for this and own a 2012 c300 4matic.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving on the highway.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
22-24 Honda civic Steering rack recall I feel to have no control of my vehicle and that my life as well as others are put at risk. I took my car to Honda for the safety inspection for the active recall they falsely dismissed according to Honda corporate. Nothing has been inspected other than my safety inspection when the dealership passed my car. I scheduled an appointment for a diagnosis as co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally lost motive power. 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 local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the manufacturer h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. There was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and upon inspection, the exhaust pipe was wet. The contact checked the engine oil level and added water to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was restarted and was driven to the re... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard and failed to stop as needed. No warning lights appeared on the instrument panel and the forward collision avoidance feature failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
I have had 2 major and one minor incident with my 2022 Pathfinder. I bought it certified preowned Jan 2023 with 21k miles. At 23k miles- end of the same month it was purchased- the vehicle decelerated from 75mph to 35mph on the interstate. The dealership sent a towing truck to pick it up next day and they diagnosed the problem to be a dead battery- the lights on the car remained on all night but i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the engine overheated, and the vehicle stalled with the high-temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent where the vehicle was diagnosed with a cracked plastic coolant reservoir. The contact was informed that the coolant reservoir needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
involved in a multi car accident at the intersection of [XXX] , and [XXX] bound on ramp at [XXX] and the other two parties involed air bags deployed . I t boned the car traveling on [XXX] that had ran the intersection red light after the incrdent i was facing acroos all lanes of traffic and a car traveling the same direction hit me in the passenger front door and no air bags deployed in my 2016... Read more
Crash
1 injured