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: May 18, 2024
My 2020 Rav4 Limited AWD alerted me that the engine needed maintenance, and, so I parted it until Tuesday, After talking to the service professional at Passport Toyota, they told me about everything else but did not see that the light was on. They did my regular 55,000 miles maintenance on my car. So before driving away, I noticed that the alert was still blinking on my car. Their findings is t... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2024
My 2020 Rav4 Limited AWD alerted me that the engine needed maintenance, and, so I parted it until Tuesday, After talking to the service professional at Passport Toyota, they told me about everything else but did not see that the light was on. They did my regular 55,000 miles maintenance on my car. So before driving away, I noticed that the alert was still blinking on my car. Their findings is t... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
Fuel pump failure, causing car to stop immediately on highway.
Incident date: May 27, 2024
-The component that malfunctioned is the airbag light for my vehicle, and yes it is available for inspection upon request. -My safety and others are at risk because my airbag may not deploy if I get into an accident. -The manufacturer (at a local Nissan dealership) diagnosed the problem after an inspection, which confirmed it was an airbag light for the driver's seat airbag. There is currentl... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
"Engine maintenance required" warning light came on and unable to bypass at all, leaving driver unable to read odometer or speedometer while driving. Had to go to the dealership 2 days in a row before they finally addressed the warning. Service staff informed this is indicating the coolant bypass valve is damaged or has failed. Also informed that this is a very common issue regardless of location,... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle did not stop as intended. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake master cylinder, accumu... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the electronic traction stability warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle slowed to approximately 15 MPH and failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The recall 251 has gone unaddressed since September 2023. I am receiving notices from dealerships and carfax to repair the open recall. How long does Hyundai have to correct this issue
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The anti theft software failed. The vehicle is not available for inspection it was stolen. The vehicle was locked and key fob was in my possession. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the theft happened in broad daylight in a crowded hospital parking lot. The theives erratically sped away as seen by security. The vehicle has not yet been recovered so there has been no ... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
Windshield wipers put in manual maximum sensitivity mode. During the trip they stopped working multiple times. They just froze. When a manual one time wipe button was pressed wipers menu showed “II” manual sensitivity and started working. Selected back manual III sensitivity. Wipers worked for a while and stopped again. SW version: 2024.14.6. Autopilot was not engaged.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Genesis G80. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V107000 (Electrical System) and 24V191000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact also became aware of an abnormal sound near the brake pads; however, the contact stated that the sound was not coming from the brake pads. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent m... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
Door latch sensor doesn’t recognize that the drivers door is shut most of the time. This causes the dome light to remain on and makes it almost impossible to see to back up at night especially with the malfunction of the backup camera. Nothing has happened but as this is apparently a common problem with these cars I am super concerned that it could cause an accident or for someone or something t... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); 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 not experienced... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 40–45 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle failed to accelerate about 35 MPH. The vehicle went into LIMP/SAFE Mode. The check engine warning light was blinking. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to metal shavings being... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
Since I got the car, if I let it go in auto stop, it has a hard time accelerating when I push the gas. It has gotten worse and now it has a hard time accelerating in general. When I push the gas it sounds really loud like it’s struggling to go. I realized this is a safety issue for me and others when my car wasn’t going at the light of a busy intersection, or when I’m getting onto a highway ... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
Driving down a street when the Jeep shut down all propulsion systems and sent an error code that the charging system would not work. We moved safely to the side of the road, restarted the Jeep, and drove home with no error lights. The next day, the Jeep threw error codes again upon startup. We took to the dealer who is analyzing.
Incident date: May 27, 2024
Driving down a street when the Jeep shut down all propulsion systems and sent an error code that the charging system would not work. We moved safely to the side of the road, restarted the Jeep, and drove home with no error lights. The next day, the Jeep threw error codes again upon startup. We took to the dealer who is analyzing.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Electrical glitches happen at both, low speeds and while on the roadway. My steering wheel tightens up and I get a message on the dashboard “Stabilitrak” and another one “assisted steering reduced, drive with care”. My vehicle even shut off on me after pulling in to a parking space after turning steering wheel completely to one side
Incident date: May 25, 2024
Engine broke on 2019 jeep Cherokee limited with only 90,000 miles after the intake broke at 50,000
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
This car brakes on its own . I reported it to Honda since I have had it have been dealing with the issue it brakes on its own I filled out a form with you guys after reading about “Ghost Braking” so I am not alone this car is dangerous it has been serviced multiple times Honda Corp is aware requested a buy back. Wondering where you guys are in your investigation I have pictures the sensors are... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
This car brakes on its own . I reported it to Honda since I have had it have been dealing with the issue it brakes on its own I filled out a form with you guys after reading about “Ghost Braking” so I am not alone this car is dangerous it has been serviced multiple times Honda Corp is aware requested a buy back. Wondering where you guys are in your investigation I have pictures the sensors are... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The Hybrid Warning light came on. This was the third time this has happened. The first time Kia said it was the Air Box and I paid $600 to repair. The second time the shop mistakenly cleared the codes before determining the cause. The third time they say it is the Wiring Harness and will cost $4,550 to report if they have the harness. This vehicle has recall for the connecting rod in the e... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. 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, 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 ma... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
engine in this vehicle keeps having a misfire in Cylinder 2 (when looking at engine in car, it is the back side, 2nd from the left) caused by eco mode per honda techs. The piston ring needs replaced per tech and car is 2 model years outside the warranty for this issue that is still going on. its a common issue and is still occurring even is newer models according to the 2 local dealerships.
Incident date: May 24, 2024
My car engine light goes on and off due to transmission fault. It continuously has a hard time shifting gears in between 2500-3000 rpm and gives a jerky stop before continuing to speed up/accelerate despite when I have not let go of my foot from the pedal. After taking it to the auto shop, I was told this is the same problem other Toyota RAV 4 between 2001-2003 experiences and the mechanics told m... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
While driving the left rear wheel went sideway... looking underneath the Unibody had corroded to the point the left control arm separated from the car making it undrivable.... was told to not drive the car as it is not safe...
Incident date: May 24, 2024
Multiple times driving on highway at posted speed limit and vehicle displays emergency braking system and just comes to complete stop on highway with oncoming cars going 65mph. Has happened 3 times before.
Incident date: May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle began to lose motive power and the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart but the contact stated the accelerator pedal would not function properly after the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was towed... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
A chronic oil leak from the plastic oil pan. It has been fixed once in 2019, replaced in 2022 and again needs replacement in 2024. Only 39500 miles on the vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
Wheel hubs causes car to think that it’s going faster(200mph) causing car to drop speed, locks steering wheel making it impossible to turn away from traffic and drive it’s an accident waiting to happen not sure why there isn’t a recall. Also batteries causes the battery system warning to be a major problem even if alternator is good. I’m not sure if the two batteries is a good idea. The st... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
Coolant bypass valve failure. 2020 model year Vehicle has 38,000 miles with a failed coolant bypass valve.
Incident date: May 22, 2024
I was first informed that there was a recall on my 2018 Honda Civic for a fuel system problem back in December 2023. When no information came from Honda USA as to when the dangerous problem would be repaired, I was told by the dealership that the repair would be completed at the latest by April. It is now the end of May and there still no word on when the Honda dealer will have the parts to repair... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
I was driving down the interstate and the front sunroof shattered while the vehicle was in operation. We were not passing under an overpass and there was not car ahead of us to kick up debris to cause an impact on the sunroof.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle and attempting to reverse out of the dealer, the vehicle hesitated before reversing, however, the contact continued to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that approximately 2 weeks after purchasing the vehicle while attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the vehicle failed to respon... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite RV. The contact stated due to water buildup in the roof, the ceiling was leaking during rainy weather. The contact stated that the leak had caused mold to build up on the front side of the camper. The contact stated that the roof slider had previously been repaired with tape due to water leaking and mildew. The vehicle was not diagnosed or rep... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
Your commercial that utilizes maximized volume is offensive. It wakes people. It causes drama in homes. And you are to blame. You need to remove it and fix it.
Incident date: May 21, 2024
While driving in traffic there were loud popping and crackling sounds from the rear speakers. Then smoke appeared and an acrid burning smell. The smoke and loud sounds continued after I pulled over and turned the key off. I removed the fuses for the sound system and it remains inoperable. I went home and searched for this problem on the web and discovered that it is a common problem on 2014 Mer... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 21, 2024
I purchased this vehicle [XXX]. Within 2 days a rattle could be heard coming from bmw vanos area, VANOS is a variable valve timing system used by BMW on various automotive petrol engines since 1992. I ceased all use of this vehicle on [XXX], only 3 days. Through my own research i found recall 23v-707 which lists my vehicle and this problem. I had the car towed to a bmw repair shop Harrison Motors... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
Driver side mirror fell off while driving on the interstate. The mirror started shaking a little bit, but before I could get pulled over, it started shaking real bad and then just fell off of the vehicle landing on the interstate by that time my speed was down to about 45 mph. The mirror is not available for inspection as it is laying on the interstate somewhere, but looking at the mounting holes... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
My car headlights are very dim and can't see road well at night-other cars have trouble seeing me. This has slowly happened over time. My mechanic replaced headlight bulbs still a problem and he says the reflectors are bad so I have ordered new headlights. I went online and found this has been a problem for many Acura RDX owners, Acura is aware but hasn't sought a recall to fix situation. However,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds into a driveway, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering return line hose assembly ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
There has been several incidents when I step on the brakes and the vehicle seems to accelerate forward after what feels like an attempt to find the right gear when decelerating. This occurs infrequently but usually when decelerating along with an external factor. I was able to consistently replicate when I’m coming off the highway onto a service road then have to make quick turn at a corner. It... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
I purchased a used BMW from Apolo Auto in New Jersey around July 2021 the car was in perfect condition and it did not appear to have any mechanical or electrical defects. However, the prior owner had many aftermarket things done to the car and that was a big selling point as it was upgraded with low miles. After purchasing the vehicle some strange things started happening but I didn't pay close at... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: May 16, 2024
I purchased a used BMW from Apolo Auto in New Jersey around July 2021 the car was in perfect condition and it did not appear to have any mechanical or electrical defects. However, the prior owner had many aftermarket things done to the car and that was a big selling point as it was upgraded with low miles. After purchasing the vehicle some strange things started happening but I didn't pay close at... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: May 16, 2024
The vehicle start showing the ( Engine maintenance required) message around 40k miles. The bypass coolant valve needs to be replaced. The dealership did confirm the issue. The issue will result in the engine overheating or seizure. A lot of people who own RAV4 2019-2024 had the same issue.
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) 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 manufac... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while stopping at a red traffic light, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, after which the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, 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 ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to work as needed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull the vehicle over. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
Abs light keeps intermittent and loss of traction control! Hcu or Abs module is the problem for the intermittent cycle on the dash! Seen other people having similar problems with that particular year 2017-2018 rams 2500-3500 models.