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 27, 2024
Bypass coolant valve is a known issue and while the valve isn’t broken or leaking the car is prompting for a fix that isn’t necessary of a fix.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Sitting in the parked vehicle when suddenly the back window shattered.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Van shuts off completely when driving., all lights go off… rolling the car when possible I shift to neutral then I start the ignition and works fine. But lately is more often. My wife picks grand kids from school ., she is afraid an accident may happen. I see this problem on the internet specially at the caravan club. Why this problem is not tackled? Thanks. Also yesterday it shuts down at idle.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
The infotainment system and Apple CarPlay connectivity is posing a safety hazard. When I’m on a phone call my audio will randomly cut out and suddenly the person on the other side of the call can no longer hear me. In order to fix the issue I must pick up my phone while I’m driving to disconnect from Apple CarPlay and reconnect. I have tried countless troubleshooting methods and reported the p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
I bought at an auction thinking it was a decent condition
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased from an auction it was listed with power steering assist failure. The contact stated that the power assist failure and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Num... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
The front passenger seat occupancy sensor mat degraded and fails to detect a passenger in the front seat.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
When the passenger front seat is occupied, the airbag disengaged warning light is illuminated; I have taken it to Hyundai service twice and they find no malfunction, yet the light remains illuminated
Incident date: Aug 17, 2017
When driving the transmission will shift to different settings forcing the rear wheels to lock up and sending the truck into limp mode. The wrench light will appear for a short amount of time and the truck will go back to running like normal. I was told by the dealer the Transmission Lead Frame needs to be replaced and my vehicle is currently in the shop facing a $1500 repair. I had the power tra... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2019
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, she became aware that the high beam headlights were not functioning. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the headlight housing assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
1. 2022 Outback windshield, on passenger side, has cracked twice in the same spot. We bought the vehicle brand new. It currently has 9300 miles on it. The vehicle is driven approx. 8 miles a day and sits in our garage 95% of the time. 2. Safety & visibility is affected as the crack spreads across the windshield. 3. Yes, I paid a Subaru service center $1600 to repair the windshield in January 2024.... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
To whom it may concern, I would like to report that my vehicle's paint has been peeling off since June 2018. The vehicle was purchased on 8/11/17, and I have continuously reported the paint problem to no avail from the dealership or manufacturer. As a matter of fact, in February 2019, the vehicle was serviced to due bubbles developing around the windshield, and I again reported the paint issues an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance front camera became inoperable. The pre-collision, the braking control, and the Lane Departure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaire... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance front camera became inoperable. The pre-collision, the braking control, and the Lane Departure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaire... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH with the check engine warning and low oil pressure warning lights illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the turbo charger. The contact was informed that the engine needed ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
the following messages appear randomly and frequently resulting in a dash lamp/ chime and loss of cruise control electronic braking system fault. HCU electronic error (stored code) many reports of the same problem I've read about.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle lost motive power and the engine overheated, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as failure with the head gasket and th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
This has happened quiet a bit I'm driving on the highway going 75mph set my cruise control and I go to pass or up a hill and the truck engine and tranny light start flashing the truck losses power it won't go even when u push petal to floor it also spits and sputters if u turn of the cruise control put the car n neutral and shut it off then back on it stops this seems to b an constant thing there'... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
6/23 the oil light started to flickering, in particular to coming to a stop or turning. This was even after just having an oil change the month before. I checked the oil & it was low already so, of course I put a couple quarts in. I continued to monitor my oil as this was happening. I did not see any oil leaking onto our driveway or from anywhere. I called our mechanic to schedule an appointment. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s side door opened inadvertently. The contact also stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, she observed wind coming from the passenger’s side door with the door alarm chime being audible. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the message "Front Left Malfunction. Service Required" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact that the front driver's side air bag might fail to deploy during a crash, and that an unkn... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
I have contacted Flagship Ford Carolina in Puerto Rico in regard to processing my recall and continue to be pushed aside. For over a month now, I am told someone will call me back and never does or I am transferred and receive no response. When I call back week after week, it is the same situation over and over with someone different. One person has told me they work on this recall but have to con... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Passenger restraint system malfunction just came out of the blue. In the morning it was fine, in the afternoon when I went out to my car it threw this error. Other cars in the 5 and X series with the sport seats I have were also recalled for this same issue, but there is no recall for my car. Please help!
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Prius equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Primacy Season, Tire Size: 195/50/R19, DOT Number: (NA). The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH on several occasions, the four tires experienced blowouts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side rear tire needed... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Prius equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Primacy Season, Tire Size: 195/50/R19, DOT Number: (NA). The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH on several occasions, the four tires experienced blowouts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side rear tire needed... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
2013 Hyundai Sonata with known engine failure issue. While driving, vehicle experienced complete engine failure during operation in confined express lane of highway. Vehicle was rendered inoperable and required towing to dealer for repair. Delear declared "complete engine failure" and offered to apply for repair assistance through Hyundai engine failure recall assistance, but then repair was decli... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I'm constantly having issues with my right sliding door on my 2018 Honda Odyssey, opening after it's been closed and I'm constantly getting beeping alerts on my dash saying problems with right sliding door while I'm driving. It's been happening for a while now. Fortunately, the door hasn't opened while I'm driving on the road yet, although it did occur once while I was backing out of my driveway... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
My car is producing a warning light for "Passenger restraint system malfunction". This is a safety hazard and it is not covered by warranty. I believe this should be investigated and a recall should be mandated as many people have this issue. The cost to fix is over $2,500 and BMW should bear the cost of this safety issue.
Incident date: May 3, 2024
I began hearing a rattling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. I believed it was possibly the suspension, as the vehicle would also bounce more often than expected when going over any irregularities in the road (potholes, speed bumps, normal wear on roads, etc). I brought it to the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, and they found no issues. I had previously replaced all 4 tires and ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
I began hearing a rattling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. I believed it was possibly the suspension, as the vehicle would also bounce more often than expected when going over any irregularities in the road (potholes, speed bumps, normal wear on roads, etc). I brought it to the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, and they found no issues. I had previously replaced all 4 tires and ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The DEF header failed on this truck and it causes the vehicle to be disabled. The DEF header is an emissions part. PART NUMBER 04-31354-004 HEADER-SSI,CONC,6 BOLT,CMNS
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and decelerating, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made of the failure and a case was filed; ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The power steering light will come on and the cars power steering no longer works. I was driving down the road approximately 60 mph and the power steering light came on and I could barely turn the steering wheel. I was able to stop and shut the care off and restart and the power steering worked again. On future drives the power steering intermittently will go out forcing me to stop and shut the c... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Head gasket and block cracked and caused coolant to leak into cylinder and caused misfiring and over heating and check engine light with smoke coming out of tailpipes
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact had been pulled over by authorities on three separate occasions due to inoperable rear taillights. The contact stated that the interior housing unit for both the left and right rear taillights had begun to melt which caused the defect. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was initially informed that the vehicle would be serviced un... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side bunk window detached and fell off. The contact stated that the window was a frameless window and was sealed with adhesive. The contact researched and discovered an unknown recall; however, the contact VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
My vehicle was vandalized and the vandalism targeted the electrical, mechanical and the seat belts in the back. I reported cyber violence and stalking in 2023 to BMW, and my finance company Ally and at the beginning of 2024 my car overnight started leaving puddles oil and the entire electrical system would shut down (and it still does) as I'm driving with my seven year old child with autism. The s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
In December 2021, we experienced a failure of the RV Mercedes Sprinter to start. After calling a mobile technician out, and upon research of similar events, it was determined that the Electronic Ignition System had failed. We had the RV towed to Mercedes Service Center in Asheville, NC where the problem was confirmed. It appears that internal windshield condensation can drain into the dash and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Vehicle had strong smell of fuel after short trip. Investigated, found fuel on harness behind engine. Took vehicle to dealership. Dealer found "diagnose hole in fuel supply tube. Damage caused from contacting and rubbing on engine wire harness. Fuel line bundle will need tom be replaced. VEHICLE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE!." There were no warning lamps, messages, or any other signs of a problem ex... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on an incline, the vehicle briefly lost motive before jerking forward and then returning to normal functionality. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was idling rough with low compression in cylinder #2, there was a misfire, and the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. The VIN wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. 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 contacted. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
This vehicle is currently on its third radiator since it was purchased, 4 years ago. That’s almost 1 radiator per year. The vehicle also has transmission issues on the highway. The dealer replaced the torque converter but vehicle is still hesitant and bucking on the highway. This vehicle only has 64,000 KM and would cost thousands in repairs if it wasn’t under warranty.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
I just bought mach E. [XXX] I was in car line at Macdonalds to get food for my 14 year old son. The speeded itself to full speed. I luckily had both hands on wheel. I turned car to left away from car in front of me. Luckily I was able to put my foot on brakes and able to stop the car but not before killing couple of plants on curb. I manage to stop car just couple of feet away from building. In ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Unknown. Vehicle was coming to a stop and it "surged" forward. Brakes applied could not stop it. Caused accident, it hit the car in front which hit the next car in line. There were injuries. If this vehicle had surged in front of a pedestrian, there could have been a fatality. Vehicle was inspected by insurance company to determine cost to repair, not looking for cause. Vehicle wad totaled.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start occasionally. In addition, the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,500.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The part that failed is called the "ELECTRONIC SERVO PEDAL SIMULATOR UNIT", aka "SET, BOS ASSM." aka "BRAKE PEDAL SIMULATOR (SIMULATOR SET, PEDAL FEEL)" aka "BRAKE PEDAL OPERATING SIMULATOR". The Honda (OEM) part number is 01469-TPG-A95. The part failure was diagnosed at Buckeye Honda in Lancaster, Ohio, in coordination with the Tech department at Honda corp., and was replaced at Buckeye Honda i... Read more