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: Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights did not function as intended. The contact stated that the visibility from the headlights was very dim. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights did not properly illuminate the roadway. Additionally, the headlights were very dim. The vehicle was taken to the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
Last night, an incident occurred, which was previously reported to NHTSA. This morning, while driving to the dealership to address that incident, the vehicle's engine turned off while driving in hybrid/gas mode. The "D" was blinking on both the shifter and on the driver information panel. I was able to turn the shifter knob to put the vehicle into neutral, reverse, and park, but there was no chang... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
Warning light to service the Electronic Braking System came on. Has been intermittent since. Contacted dealer and the HCU needs replacing. Vehicle is under mfg extended warranty. They claim part not covered. There are hundreds of complaints about this along with a class action lawsuit filed last year in CA. Brakes may fail without repair. 4WD will not engage since warning light came on. Lawsuit a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the low oil pressure warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee with 88K miles on it. I heard a loud popping sound, and my car was jerking. Took it into the dealership for maintenance and I need to replace the rear diff and axle shaft. This could have locked up worse and caused an accident. I see that there are more complaints about this same problem.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
I purchased this vehicle 6 months ago and have had nothing but electrical issues since. The front Lincoln emblem and the rear driverside brake lights do not work. Also, the heated driver seat stopped working. I have read the lighting issue is common.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
After driving for anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour, the steering wheel becomes “sticky” in certain positions, prohibiting me from making fine adjustments at high speeds (50mph+) I’ve noticed this issue over a year ago. It interfered with highway driving but was livable. However a couple days ago this issue became amplified and the stickiness has become a lot more exaggerated. This has ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
2023 Chevy bolt has a hand 'regenerative brake'. I was using it while driving in traffic. My speed was around 40 mph when the car in front of me abruptly stopped. The distance between us was approximately 30 ft. I immediately switched from hand brake to foot brake and the pedal felt soft and there was a delay in response to foot brake. I rear ended the vehicle in front of me causing damages to bot... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The vehicle restarted but shut off again. The check engine and oil warning lights illuminated upon restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Chassis is rusting out. Drivers side rear spring shackle, bracket fell off and need to be replaced costing me about $500.00. Mazda b2300 is also a Ford Ranger which also has similar issues. My truck has about 170,000 miles on the odometer. The drive train is strong; idles and runs smooth, does not burn oil.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Chassis is rusting out. Drivers side rear spring shackle, bracket fell off and need to be replaced costing me about $500.00. Mazda b2300 is also a Ford Ranger which also has similar issues. My truck has about 170,000 miles on the odometer. The drive train is strong; idles and runs smooth, does not burn oil.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated, and the transmission downshifted from 5th gear to 1st gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted but failed to shift into 1st gear; the vehicle was stuck in 3rd gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
As I was driving, the ABS, Brake, and Traction Control lights all illuminated on my dashboard and have remained on since. I took the car into the dealership to get a diagnosis, and they told me that I had a accumulator leak and needed to repair my brake master cylinder and replace the brake booster pump assembly. This is apparently a known issue with Toyota Prius, as hundreds of others have discus... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
Nothing has happened yet but: The anti-lock brake system is faulty. Hyundai says the brake system could explode into flame either parked or when driving. We were told to park the car at a distance from other cars. My apartment complex has a nearly full parking lot. Wherever I park someone can park next to me. Hyundai also says it is safe to drive. It is unnerving to have this issue, when I driv... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
Previously reported on February 20, 2024. NHTSA #1157301 RDC failure caused complete loss of all dashboard functions except the radio - loss of lights/turn signals/ speedometer/ tachometer/ HVAC etc. Received a call from BMW customer service today February 26,2024 at 4:38 EST duration 17 minutes. BMW informed me the conversation was recorded. I request that NHTSA obtain the transcript for that te... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
Steering is "notchy" and seems to stick. It is most noticable at highway speeds where small left and right movements are very difficult to make, feeling like I am fighting the steering to keep the car from wandering around in the lane. The cruise control shuts off randomly and refuses to be turned back on until the car is shut off and back on. It turns off abruptly and causes the car to suddenly... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
Steering is "notchy" and seems to stick. It is most noticable at highway speeds where small left and right movements are very difficult to make, feeling like I am fighting the steering to keep the car from wandering around in the lane. The cruise control shuts off randomly and refuses to be turned back on until the car is shut off and back on. It turns off abruptly and causes the car to suddenly... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
Truck's power steering goes out, I have to restart truck a few times for it to work again. Service Power steering comes on when it's not working. It has not gone out while driving but I am fearful that it will.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2022
I took my vehicle in for oil change and tire rotation and was told that the tire rotation could not be done due to “swelled lug nuts”.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding the 2022 BMW iX, specifically related to the malfunction of its safety system due to the software provided by Green Hill Software. This issue has resulted in multiple instances where the safety system of the vehicle locked up, putting drivers, passengers, and other road users at significant risk of accidents. On several occasions, while op... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Vehicle stalled and shut off 5 times while driving in past month. Took it to VW Dealership. They said low voltage on battery could make the stop/start feature not able to restart car. They also stated fuel injector #3 error was showing on diagnostic machine. After replacing battery, spark plugs, and gasket ($2300), dealership says that fuel injector error still showing and would cost $1400 to repl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Vehicle stalled and shut off 5 times while driving in past month. Took it to VW Dealership. They said low voltage on battery could make the stop/start feature not able to restart car. They also stated fuel injector #3 error was showing on diagnostic machine. After replacing battery, spark plugs, and gasket ($2300), dealership says that fuel injector error still showing and would cost $1400 to repl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The contact owns a 1998 Jeep Cherokee equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler Radial A/S, Tire Size: 275/75/R15, DOT Number: 1PJHLFNWR. The contact stated that he had purchased two tires from Walmart that were installed in the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle started wobbling. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Entire engine needs to be replaced due to cylinder malfunction. My safety was at risk because the car would turn off randomly at red lights or when making wide turns. Sometimes, the car would not start and sometimes it would. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. No messages or lights appeared indicating an engine issue.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V787000 (Electrical System) 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 manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The ABS lights began coming on and off in April of 2023. My certified mechanic checked codes and found no specific trouble from the available code information. The Abs lights eventually stayed on by November of 2023. Through more investigation, my mechanic determined that the ABS Module- C 84055066 and ABS Pump Assembly- C 25879231 had ceased to function. He ordered the ABS parts ,(manufactured in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
Left front vibrations and steering issues. Also start button won't engage even after repair. Trouble stating car and interferes with remote starting.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
Left front vibrations and steering issues. Also start button won't engage even after repair. Trouble stating car and interferes with remote starting.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
I was t-boned by a f-150, airbags didn’t deploy and my seat belt didn’t lock. With no safety features deploying, I sustained injuries. No one wants to inspect it, due to there being no fatalities or permanent dismemberment. There were no warnings or lights on prior to the accident, the seatbelts still latch and are able to be buckled which they shouldn’t be.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
35 complaints on the CVT transmission failing for the 2011 Nissan Murano, which could be a major safety issue while driving. We experienced 3 episodes and have not heard back from Nissan nor the NHTSA on recalling this car and having Nissan repair their known defect that could result in injury. We know the CVT transmission is known by Nissan to have reliability issues as they have recalled other y... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-250 The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed diesel particulate filter. The contact was informed that the diesel particulate filter needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that there was a Customer Satisfaction Prog... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
from the day I purchased the vehicle on [XXX] of 2023. I immediately heard a rattling noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. I also noticed that the transmission had been catching or slipping or missing whenever it transfers gears it is getting worse by the day I have taken it to the original dealership at MNF auto sales in Albuquerque and I have also taken it to the Larry Miller Jeep in A... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's engine has failed and the timing is off, causing knocking sounds. The diagnostic results are indicating codes P0014 and P1326. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There have been reports of the vehicle catching fire so if I continued to drive the vehicle it could ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
I was driving my Jeep Gladiator on [XXX] Shasta Co, CA, on a snowy mountain highway. I had my husband, two children and two dogs in the vehicle. Without warning the power steering went out. Within 20 seconds a steering wheel light appeared on the dash. Within approximately 20 more seconds, I was able to pull over into a plowed turnout. As soon as we stopped the vehicle we noticed a fire in the en... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
The 2011 Prius has an issue known to Toyota, in which the brake booster pump fails after an indiscriminate amount of time, leading to significant loss in braking ability and control. Toyota knows of this because they issues an extended warranty coverage for these vehicles and this issue, that did not extend beyond 10 years, or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. [XXX] ) When I was driving my ca... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
I got this vehicle pre owned by Carvana. My rear and head lights flicker off and on with any one touching them. My power inside the car like for the radio, heating and cooling will stop working for a few days and randomly come on when it wants. Then local Nissan broke my plastic undercarriage during my recall they didn’t complete and now it’s dragging across the ground.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
I was issued a customer satisfaction program #13N02 while replacing brake booster helped, bypassing the fact the master cylinder fluid leaked into brake booster and was not part of repair is just ridiculous. Until master cylinder is repaired, problem will not be resolved! Please remedy by including master cylinder with brake booster 13N02. My brake pedal still goes to floor, I am requesting yo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
This vehicle has a potential manufacturer defect in the rear window regarding the defroster. After repeated use of the defroster heating up the window and cooling down the elements in the glass contracted and expanded and shattered the back window spontaneously causing an over $600 repair. There was no prior damage and no other possible causation that occurred for this and the vehicle window repai... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Tire pressure yellow warning light on. RDC module ordered but repair not completed. After starting the car at a gas station, multiple warning lights appeared in red including "car on a raised lift in red" which signifies car is to be taken directly for service. Drove to local mechanic one mile away. While observing the car with engine running at idle, ALL dashboard lights and functions stopped... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
1. 01/09/2024 engine failure on freeway No warning, no noise, just all of sudden 2. Pull back to Dealership One day later, they said engine would need to REPLACE, and saying they have engine in stock and can replace IMMD. *** Crestview Cadillac 3. Bodyshop mentioned 4 same type of vehicle has the same issue 4. I talked to CS with Cadillac, but they turned down the buy back 5. Then I submitted ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Both cams need to be replaced. Upon doing internet research and talking with the service advisor this is a very commom problem and recalls have been done on other years but not 2017. Henry Miller Dodge Ram is where my vehicle is currently at and who advised the issues at hand. The check engine light comes on and computer shows misfire.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Car began to make a loud humming noise from the engine compartment and the car went stiff. The check engine light came on and when taken to have the light looked at, it showed a faulty thermostat.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Driving 35 MPH on a back road, no cars coming the opposite direction, the automatic emergency braking system flashed, beeped and slammed my brakes momentarily. Luckily there was no one behind me. I attempted to pull into a parking lot and the entire electrical system went crazy, all warning lights, systems and sensors went off and I lost power steering. Had I been driving during power steering los... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
Driving 35 MPH on a back road, no cars coming the opposite direction, the automatic emergency braking system flashed, beeped and slammed my brakes momentarily. Luckily there was no one behind me. I attempted to pull into a parking lot and the entire electrical system went crazy, all warning lights, systems and sensors went off and I lost power steering. Had I been driving during power steering los... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The component that has failed has been the transmission and the AC. My safety was at risk because the car wouldn’t drive forward whilst on the road. It has been confirmed by independent service. Yes the problem has been inspected by representatives. There was a warning that was said “Check transmission engine”
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
After the vehicle has been sitting for some time, it will repeatedly beep and display “travel assist not available” with a warning triangle. It seems to be steering wheel related. It does not do it sitting still, only while moving. This happens every morning for the first few minutes of driving - often for several miles, and is getting worse. Today, it happened over 10 times within a 1 mile dr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced due to a hole in the radiator. The vehicle was repaire... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Vehicle starter failed to crank the engine. You can smell electric type smoke coming from the under carriage. Vehicle stopped at a light and could not move. Nearly caused a crash or worse a fire. No warning lights or indicators. Just won’t start and smoke.