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 9, 2024
I was turning right and as I pulled out my power steering totally went out causing g me to loose control for a second but then it came back on almost causing an accident. This isn't the 1st time just the most recent. There's a recall on other years of the same vehicle with Ford for the same problem but not for 2013.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
I bought my car in march of 2023 3 months later my ball joint broke & knocked out my axle which caused damage to my car my warranties didn’t cover the damage to my car nor the axle or ball I had to pay out of pocket for a tow truck not only that I had to pay to get it fixed. I’m still having trouble with my car & the dealer hasn’t did anything to fix my problem
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the message "Engine Fault - Service Immediately" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the coolant pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred two months later while the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was taken to an ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the fob and the heat did not work as intended. The contact stated that the heater blew out cold air in some vents and heat in others and the key fob would not connect to the vehicle. The contact stated that the che... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
On this day it was approximately 5:45AM my 2023 Honda Passport indicated to Brake in the dash then proceeded to snatch me into a curb at 50 MPH. I have since taken it back to the dealership where they can not diagnose the problem. I have contacted Honda Corp. which they haven't been able to help. The dealership stated that they could not preform an alignment as my frame or suspension may be damage... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
While traveling on the interstate 3 months ago, my 2020 Jeep Wrangler began to vibrate violently after driving over a seam in the road while traveling around 70mph. After slowing down and pulling over, I assessed the exterior of the car and tires for any obvious defects and continued on without identifying any structural problems. Within the next 20 miles the violent reverberations occurred again.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Genesis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Leaving a parking spot, after about 75 ft of travel, wrench and engine indicator light lit up along with scrolling warnings instructing service engine soon, service adv trac, hill start assist not available and pre collision assist not available. Vehicle abruptly slammed on the brakes and would not release. After several attempts to resolve the stopping issue, I was able to engage drive and the ve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the "Low Oil Pressure" warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
After noticing brake fluid leaking I took my car to a local automotive shop and when he raised it to checkout the break line when he found the leak from the rust . he noticed a more serious problem that the subframe was rusted out on each side. He told me to contact Mercedes immediately because the car is unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
Massive battery drain issue, resulting in dead battery, causing the need to replace the battery yearly. Lane keep does not function at all. Does not provide any assistance in staying in the lane. Lane departure warning only has a dash indicator and no further alert to inform operator of possible lane departure
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
The GM portable charger has two pigtails for using either 120V Level 1 or 240V Level 2 charging. My complaint is that the GM charging unit will default to 120V Level1 charging without any fault/warning indication if one phase of the 240V circuit fails. I had a 240V dedicated service installed so that I could charge my EV at 240V Level 2 charging rates. The charging rate didn't seem to improve... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, after which the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Rear view camera is blurry
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
For about 4 months I had a smell that my son and I could not locate. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the fuel pump which is located under the back seat had hair line cracks that caused the fuel to spit out and damage the seal around it thereby damaging the underside of the back seat to infiltrate the the foam with the gasoline. We tried to see if there were any recalls but foun... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
As I was driving with my wife on our way back home, my vehicle flashed every warning light, and my dashboard went dark. I was going about 40–45 mph, the engine was still running, and we made it home, which was only less than 2 miles from my house. As I was driving on my way home, the media console had this message: "vehicle network communication error," but once home, I could not get the SUV to ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
I purchased my 2023 Ford F150 Lightning Lariat in November 2023 and although it has been an outstanding vehicle in most regards, there is a glaring software/infotainment problem that has been extremely dangerous on multiple occasions. When putting the truck into reverse, the screen sometimes freezes on a static image, leading me to believe that there are no vehicles or pedestrians behind my truck ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
I purchased my 2023 Ford F150 Lightning Lariat in November 2023 and although it has been an outstanding vehicle in most regards, there is a glaring software/infotainment problem that has been extremely dangerous on multiple occasions. When putting the truck into reverse, the screen sometimes freezes on a static image, leading me to believe that there are no vehicles or pedestrians behind my truck ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
I have checked the cam shafts condition at only 3900 miles since there are a lot of people with the same motorcycle mentioning this issue and there is an unsuspected wear starting to happen. Motorcycle always ran on recommended Motorex oil and air filter was maintained as it should be.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The ABS and anti skid lights on the dash come on and off sporadically. The pump and module have been replaced. The problem did not occur for awhile. Now it has started over again. It seems harder to brake since the problem has started.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
At 83,000 miles the transmission failed. We bought this car from a Chevy dealership with 35k miles in November of 2021. We have performed all required maintenance. If GM knows there is a transmission issue with these trucks why won’t they help their customers? It’s a 7k bill on a truck with many more payments and that has less than 100k miles.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
I started my vehicle with my foot on the brake. I put the car in reverse, with my foot on the brake. The car went backwards and hit a parked car. It was 1 car length behind me. I didn't take my foot off the brake and I pushed it harder. The car kept going backwards and I couldn't stop it. I didn't press on the gas pedal. BMW lied and said my after market fitted floor mat was the cause. My... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The anti lock brake controller is failing and keeps the traction controller and cruise control from working properly.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The anti lock brake controller is failing and keeps the traction controller and cruise control from working properly.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Vehicle continues to take over randomly when no vehicle, object, pedestrian or other item is on the road ahead of the hood. This persistent problem has been reported to the manufacturer and BMW dealerships on no less than (6) occasions – BMW advises the vehicle performs normally which isn't the case. ADAS/AEB takes over for no apparent reason, randomly, sometimes a few times per month, other ti... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
One afternoon, in the Summer of 23, I entered my Toyota Prius to run some errands. Once I proceeded to power on the car, none of the dashboard lights illuminated. This included the gas gauge, speedometer & transmission indicator. Fortunately, I was only driving a few blocks down the road from my residence as I live in a small rural town with little congestion, little traffic and mostly two-lane ro... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
One afternoon, in the Summer of 23, I entered my Toyota Prius to run some errands. Once I proceeded to power on the car, none of the dashboard lights illuminated. This included the gas gauge, speedometer & transmission indicator. Fortunately, I was only driving a few blocks down the road from my residence as I live in a small rural town with little congestion, little traffic and mostly two-lane ro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 BMW R 18. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V884000 (Exterior Lighting) 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 that pa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Low beam headlights are extremely/dangerously low even if the lights are brand new. In my opinion it's extremely dangerous to drive with only my high beams on but thats the only way I can see at night theres no confidence in relying on my low beams.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving with the Adaptive Cruise Control engaged, the vehicle decelerated quickly, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW IX. The contact stated that there was a software and connectivity failure. The contact stated that the Bluetooth Car Play system, GPS navigation, and electrical systems failed to remain connected. Additionally, occasionally the systems failed to connect. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
Vehicle caught fire on February 29, 2024, with family members inside the vehicle. The fire appeared to start under the hood on the right passenger side, which would directly correlate with the current open recall. The family had just made a trip back from a basketball game and was dropping off a passenger when smoke was noticed. Upon further inspection, there was an active fire under the hood, whi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
Vehicle caught fire on February 29, 2024, with family members inside the vehicle. The fire appeared to start under the hood on the right passenger side, which would directly correlate with the current open recall. The family had just made a trip back from a basketball game and was dropping off a passenger when smoke was noticed. Upon further inspection, there was an active fire under the hood, whi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Tire separation on all 4 tires. Cooper Adventure Tour 235/65R17 M+S. DOT U981 1NN 5121 H07R
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH after an oil change was performed on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power an hour later. The contact was able to pull to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
my rear windshield cracked entirely on its own. it was parked outside of my house. in the pictures you can tell it’s cracked all around.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
- Brake and fuel leak smell - yes - yes - no - no
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed an oil change, and the contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the oil. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repair... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
I am writing to report a serious issue with our 2017 Hyundai Tucson. As the first and only owners of this vehicle, we have diligently maintained it through authorized dealerships. However, in May 2023, while driving on the highway, the car suddenly lost power and would not accelerate beyond 30 mph. There were no warning lights or indications prior to this incident. My wife managed to pull the car... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Several warning lights flashed on and off while driving. My display/computer turned off and rebooted while driving. A day or two later the electric rear hatch stopped working. I opened the cover in the back where the spare is, and found several inches of water (4-5) in the well. I called the dealer first thing since it was a frightening thought thinking the car may blow up or trigger the airbag ma... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
ABS module malfunction all four wheel speed sensor not read in the same time and powersteering cut off cause by unready wheel speed check engine light ABS light and Steering Light on.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
ABS module malfunction all four wheel speed sensor not read in the same time and powersteering cut off cause by unready wheel speed check engine light ABS light and Steering Light on.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Transmission shifting hard, jerking and causing the engine to lose power causing road safety hazards fr e and others
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
Hyundai Theta II engine has known defects with excessive engine oil consumption. Numerous consumers have complained of this issue as it appears widespread to the entire line of Theta II engines. A recent class action has limited the scope of the recall but an easy search can see it impacts (or has the potential to impact) nearly all Theta II (six gen) engines from Hyundai. The issue is that the s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
At speeds of 45-70mph the Jeep randomly begins a violent shaking of the steering wheel/tires/suspension components. The Jeep is completely stock and the tires have been rotated and rebalanced which did not assist in resolving the issue.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
My wife was driving the vehicle after taking it from its service around 58,000 miles and started hearing whirring noise coming from the front of the car and after returning from an overseas trip, I looked at it and thought that the wheel bearing was going. The mileage was only 59,003 miles. So, I scheduled a diagnostic service at the Green's Toyota of Lexington dealer, paid for it and Toyota and w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Azera. 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 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: Mar 19, 2024
I have had a recurring problem with the so-called "death wobble" whereby the vehicle starts to shake violently when hitting certain bumps above about 50 mph and cannot be brought back under control without completely coming to a stop. I've had the front end components, including tie rods, stabilizers, drag link, etc completely replaced THREE TIMES and within a year of normal driving it comes back.... Read more