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: Jul 17, 2024
The cluster of the speedometer
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Hit a adult male black bear broadside on a street with no lighting. The forward collision warning never engaged, seatbelt did not lock, only the knee airbag deployed, and emergency braking never engaged.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Hit a adult male black bear broadside on a street with no lighting. The forward collision warning never engaged, seatbelt did not lock, only the knee airbag deployed, and emergency braking never engaged.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Contacted customer service for a replacement for a defective seat. After receiving the new seat today, it is doing the same thing the first defective seat did. The seat pops off of the base in the back with slight pressure and the seat’s rotation function malfunctions. The seat does not stay “locked” in place, instead, it freely rotates with a small amount of force. In a car accident, I do n... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
I cranked car letting it warm up, pulled out of my park onto main road, got approximately 300 yards to the red light, while sitting at the red light the cars idling went aradic, I opened the driver's side door and looked under the car, the catalytic converter was glowing red, solid red, I tried to pull into the store next to the red light, the check engine light came in and the car had no power wh... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Vehicle engine shut down while driving and was disabled creating dangerous condition. Vehicle would not start and had to be towed to local service department
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Vehicle engine shut down while driving and was disabled creating dangerous condition. Vehicle would not start and had to be towed to local service department
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Noticed interior night stand and paneling buckled. Upon inspection, found multiple welds on frame and hitch area that had separated due to poorly performed welds. Contacted both Forest River and Lippert. Neither were interested in this safety concern. The failures of these welds will result in this RV detaching from tow vehicle if not identified soon enough. Mine was very close to this!
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F150. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was reverse, the rear-view camera displayed lines across the screen, a solid black screen, or an inverted screen. The contact stated that the screen failed to display as intended. The contact stated the message to contact the dealer was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determi... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the speedometer fell to “0” MPH, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle was not responding and failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the "Wrench" symbol was illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lighting control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Two transfer case seals failed at 64,000 miles. Caused excessive oil to leak out of transfer case and onto the exhaust. Safety was put as risk by potential full failure of transfer case which can cause loss of power at speed or leaking oil on exhaust causing a fire. Problem was verified by Armstrong Automotive and repaired. No warning lights were present. Problem found after smelling burning oil a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving or parked, the door locks, gas cap sensor, and tailgate were not working as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to several unknown recalls; however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
I recently had to drive at night. The low beams are so dim you cannot drive. I have to drive with the high beams. The low beams are on, but not bright enough to drive. What is the fix for this. Thanks
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The key gets stuck and I can't remove the key; I can't take the key out and then the battery drains and car is dead.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
My truck start to accelerate by itself and the light indicator goes crazy from parking to gear 1 From there the truck it can be controlled
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving approximate... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that when the outside temperature was hot, the vehicle was not working correctly. The vehicle was difficult to start, and there was an abnormal ticking sound while starting the vehicle. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down before the vehicle would run smoothly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that when the outside temperature was hot, the vehicle was not working correctly. The vehicle was difficult to start, and there was an abnormal ticking sound while starting the vehicle. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down before the vehicle would run smoothly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 stated while driving approximately 65 MPH... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
Infotainment center glitching. Recent water issue. Mold smell after water issue. Carpet was not appropriately addressed by dealership for A/C drain "design flaw". I have a child with asthma and disabled vetran father and spend hours commuting daily. Mold and water are a health concern. Attempted to resolve with KIA after ongoing issues but they do not feel that this is a safety concern or feel i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
Infotainment center glitching. Recent water issue. Mold smell after water issue. Carpet was not appropriately addressed by dealership for A/C drain "design flaw". I have a child with asthma and disabled vetran father and spend hours commuting daily. Mold and water are a health concern. Attempted to resolve with KIA after ongoing issues but they do not feel that this is a safety concern or feel i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
I turned on the car and the airbag light was on. I took to a Ford dealership they said this was not under warranty. The sensor to the airbag is not working and will not go off if I'm actually in an accident. The sensor needs to be properly installed as this was an issue with many Ford Broncos years 2021-2022.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. T... Read more
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: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train); however, the failure reoccurred several times. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, after the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle lost motive power. No wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Crank no start scanner saying it is in 3rd gear not park.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. 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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact sta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
Reversing out drive way and coil rear suspension spring snaped
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
Continuous "Trailer Brake System" alarm makes the vehicle undrivable due to to distraction
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: Apr 8, 2024
7/14/24 This scenario has happened previously. The first time the engine light, steering light, tire light have come on and remained on. Driving around 65 mph the car judders, loses power, & engine light flashes. Thankfully, there was a shoulder to pull over onto because the ability to maintain speed is lost. Also, the highway I was on has extremely busy portions without any shoulder, so the situa... 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 29, 2022
Air bag dash warning light came on. Brought to dealer. They"fixed". Light came back on few days later. brought back to dealer. They said drivers side seat frame with air bag needs to be replaced. they ordered part & said 2 week wait. Called dealer back 2 weeks later & they said part not released by Nissan. Called Nissan consumer affairs. They informed me they have no ETA when parts will be availab... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
Air bag dash warning light came on. Brought to dealer. They"fixed". Light came back on few days later. brought back to dealer. They said drivers side seat frame with air bag needs to be replaced. they ordered part & said 2 week wait. Called dealer back 2 weeks later & they said part not released by Nissan. Called Nissan consumer affairs. They informed me they have no ETA when parts will be availab... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
While driving my car, the instrument panel just went blank. My gages all read 0. No speedometer, no battery voltage, no fuel level. The driver information center also shut off. Blinkers would not work, door lock/unlock button did not work after stopping the car. The engine never felt like it lost power and my car would still drive but I could not signal or see how fast I was going.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Engine oil consumption test at 1,000 miles after oil change. All oil gone. Happened for two oil changes. Engine light came on. I paid 5k in repairs for catalytic converter/manifold. Dealer contacted Hyundai to do combustion cleaning they said no. Dealer told me keep checking oil as my engine will seize on me. I'm terrified and this is dangerous to me and others. Hyundai knows of this oil engine pr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
The paint is peeling on the hood, A post and roof of the vehicle.
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
Engine maintenance light came on after turning on air conditioner. Vehicle information: warning light came on at 56,800 miles on 2020 Toyota Corolla, no after market modifications to vehicle. I took vehicle to Toyota dealership for diagnostic testing. Conclusion: coolant bypass valve faulty causing leaks (this can cause overheating, stalling, increased emissions, and total engine failure and also ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
- During one of my rides my rear brake malfunctioned. - If needed, yes it is available for inspection. - Due to the malfunction of the brake I almost crashed. Luckily I was able to stop my scooter (Vespa) using only front brake. - Yes the problem was confirmed by independent service. - Problem was inspected and confirmed by official service. - No warning lamps or any sort of messages were displ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
I have a 2015 Chevy equinox LS. I have had 4 incidents recently of when coming to a stop the car dies. this has happened at red lights and stop signs. one of the incidents a car almost crashed into the rear of my car because of it dying at a red light. the car does not make any noises when this occurs. the car does not display any warning messages. the car does not have any warning lights come on... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
[XXX] 6:30AM: 2016 Kia Optima Ex I was driving on the freeway on my way to work when I lost all acceleration and immediately attempted to get over to the side of the road. Which was pretty [XXX] scary being that it's a busy freeway that early in the morning so everyone is laying on their horn while trying to get out of my way. It was either be stranded in the middle of the freeway or get over as ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The service Transmisson lite came on and then it was flashing gear not available and put in N, R, D. but was stuck in N while i was driving on the interstate at 70MPH, I almost got ran over trying to get off the road. The TCM was already replaced. I had replaced the SDU and still does the same thing. This happens often. The car will sit for a while and then it will do it again. It will also rev up... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Bought the truck brand new and the transmission hard shifts in every gear. Has been in and out of the dealership nonstop for the past 2 years for electrical issues with the radio, an oil sensor wiring issue, and the dealership is trying to say 5 modules are out in the truck. They only posted 3 modules and they were transfer case module, power steering module, and body control module.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Bought the truck brand new and the transmission hard shifts in every gear. Has been in and out of the dealership nonstop for the past 2 years for electrical issues with the radio, an oil sensor wiring issue, and the dealership is trying to say 5 modules are out in the truck. They only posted 3 modules and they were transfer case module, power steering module, and body control module.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
I was driving down the road when all of a sudden my car was in neutral and I was unable to get the car moving. Called AAA they towed me to In a state Transmission because the transmission light came on. Interstate Transmission said there was nothing wrong with the transmission. It’s a computer problem. Soooo we going to fix this anytime soon?
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
I was driving down the road when all of a sudden my car was in neutral and I was unable to get the car moving. Called AAA they towed me to In a state Transmission because the transmission light came on. Interstate Transmission said there was nothing wrong with the transmission. It’s a computer problem. Soooo we going to fix this anytime soon?