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 16, 2024
Sync3 system failure Safety risk with cameras being inoperable Problem has been confirmed by dealership Problem was Inspected by Ford Dealership No warnings of failure; Problem occurred after recall 20E07 was performed by Ford Dealership
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Sync3 system failure Safety risk with cameras being inoperable Problem has been confirmed by dealership Problem was Inspected by Ford Dealership No warnings of failure; Problem occurred after recall 20E07 was performed by Ford Dealership
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering shaft bolt was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied. The contact was informed the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
I was in a motor vehicle accident where someone pulled out of a parking lot in front of me. I was doing about 45 at the time(which is the speed limit) on that road. I seen it coming but all I could do was try to veer right in order not to hit her door head on. Ours cars are totaled. My air bag never deployed out of the steering wheel however er I did see dust or smoke. This caused me to have chest... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
Recently, in the last 30 days multiple critical safety components of my BMW vehicle have malfunctioned without warning, posing significant risks to my safety and that of other road users 1. **Horn System Failure**: The horn system of my BMW has ceased to function across all driving conditions, including park, reverse, drive, and when the vehicle is stationary. This abrupt failure indicates a p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
While making a left turn on a city street there was a loud bang noise and a sudden shift of the rear of the car. The bang noise was immediately followed by a loud grinding noise (sounded like metal on metal). There was a sudden loss in power, and I was only able to drive the car a short distance to get to the side of the street. When the car was put in park, the car rolled downhill without resista... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 40–45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the rear main sub frame was completely rusted. There was a crack detected in the middle of the sub frame. The vehicle was taken to the local de... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
GATEWAY MODULE FOR INSPECTIONS DOES NOT READ OR REGISTER WHEN MY CAR NEEDS AN INSPECTION.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The vehicles MCU storage files are 100% full, and unable to read or write new data.the caches and nodes to have been cleared several times to restore data storage and writing capabilities. 12v power resets have also been Performed as well as factory reset to eliminate potentially corrupt data and free storage space.while at Tesla they Reformatted gateway SD card. The Vehicle is still unable t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The vehicles MCU storage files are 100% full, and unable to read or write new data.the caches and nodes to have been cleared several times to restore data storage and writing capabilities. 12v power resets have also been Performed as well as factory reset to eliminate potentially corrupt data and free storage space.while at Tesla they Reformatted gateway SD card. The Vehicle is still unable t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
My back windshield just shattered out of no where as I was getting in my parked car
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the engine compartment, he became aware that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be programmed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
The truck flashes service antilock brake system, service eletronic brake system. It cancels the cruise control on truck. On several occassions it shuts off cruise while on the interstate. You have to react very quickly to avoid having an accident. A couple of times its happened while pulling a travel trailer and nearly got rear ended by semi truck. Thats really scarey. It started about 8 months ag... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
I got up to leave my house and entered my vehicle and proceeded to start my car. I started it and moved the gear shift so that I can reverse out my driveway. With my foot on the brake I attempted to put the car in reverse and soon as I took the car out of park, my car accelerated forward and the brakes completely locked up. It accelerated so hard and fast that it broke through my gate and knocked ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
During a rainy evening I could not see with the wipers on max speed and the headlights on low beam. I couldn't see the road unless a car was in front of me or I turn on my high beams. My son was in the car with me and several times I had to go at a crawling speed and still barely stayed on the road because of low visibilty. This has happened more than once and I feel unsafe driving now because I f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
During a rainy evening I could not see with the wipers on max speed and the headlights on low beam. I couldn't see the road unless a car was in front of me or I turn on my high beams. My son was in the car with me and several times I had to go at a crawling speed and still barely stayed on the road because of low visibilty. This has happened more than once and I feel unsafe driving now because I f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the ABS warning light suddenly remained illuminated. The contact stated that when the failure occurred the cruise control feature had disengaged and became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated intermittently. The warning light became more persistent over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS hydraulic control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
1. Uncertain which part failed. 2. safety was put at risk due to car not able to accelerate. Car would not go over 20 miles an hour on the interstate access road where traffic was going by at 50 –60 mph - four-way flashers were on and had to pull off at the first available turn but it was scary 3. Contacted local Hyundai; they are investigating a possible loaner, but haven’t said what they wi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with the Auto Stop/Start feature. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the feature engaged and the engine was turned off; however, the engine failed to restart while attempting to drive from the complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the body control module (BCM) was replaced; how... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Brakes: ABS system has been feeling funny for some months. Engine: Consistent P3497 Code which has turned into a check light ON.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The Kia with big radio screen suffers of delamination on the screen. The issue is noted on all Kia vehicles with the big screen radio.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
Windshield wiperblades motor out not working. On wiper blade makes a noise the other wiper blade comes up and doesn't go back down
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights were dim. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the inadequate illumination, the contact was forced to use the high beam headlights while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the halogen headlight bulbs needed to be replaced. T... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
The ABS Traction Control Module in this year, and surrounding year, Jeep Wranglers continues to fail. Now Jeep has stated that the part is under engineering review and not available till June timeframe. Therefore, these vehicles no longer have anti lock brakes or traction control safety features. This is a widespread issue and should be a recall on these modules.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
About 4 years ago the rear view warning started to get foggy/blurred so it was hard to see what was towards the rear when backing. Contacted dealer about this and of course it was no longer in warranty and I would have to pay a high price to have this replaced. After the view became blank, all your saw were the lines that would show how close you were to another car while backing up I once again a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
Manufacturer has failed to resolve a safety recall issued in July 2023 where defective parts will cause the charging system to burst into flames
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
On 9/26/23 Recall #23V651000 was issued for my 2013 Hyundai Tucson. As of 2/9/24 the remedy is not available. How long does NHTSA give the auto maker to remedy the recall? Four months, to me, seems plenty of time to fix the problem. If you could let me know when the remedy should happen I would appreciate it. Thanks
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, while making a right turn and coming to a stop, several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel and displayed before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was immediately restarted but the "battery" warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
Intermittent issues with the power rear tail gate failing to open. The car will emit a loud beep and the door will stop operating. The dealer claims that there’s no issue even after being shown a video of the issue
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact became aware that the power steering was inoperable. The contact stated that the steering was extremely difficult to turn due to the failure. However, the vehicle was safely driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
BMW failed to inform customers about the class action lawsuit several years ago due to the premature failure of the primary and secondary timing chain assemblies for N20 & N26 engines. See SI B11 03 17. Owners of these vehicles were never notified of this documented and extremely hazardous problem. The government should make this a recall and not allowed it to just be an extended warranty that has... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
I was driving on the freeway on Jan 17 when I heard a pop and then the electrical warning system on the car lit up. I lost power to the car and was only able to accelerate minimally. I turned on my hazard lights and was able to get to the shoulder of the freeway and fortunately was close to an exit and was able to exit the freeway. It was towed to a dealership and I was told there was a problem w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
I was driving on the freeway on Jan 17 when I heard a pop and then the electrical warning system on the car lit up. I lost power to the car and was only able to accelerate minimally. I turned on my hazard lights and was able to get to the shoulder of the freeway and fortunately was close to an exit and was able to exit the freeway. It was towed to a dealership and I was told there was a problem w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
68,000 miles on my 2019 Jeep Cherokee. steering wheel started wobbling, hearing weird noises from the rear of the vehicle. took it in to get looked at (thankfully), rear differential and PTU is shot. mechanic was absolutely baffled and insisted I contact Jeep about this issue, as it shouldn't be my responsibility to fix their faulty parts. I honestly do not understand how there isn't at least an e... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Received letter of recal Dec 2023 For recall Campaign No 23V-707 Is been almost two months and BMW not communicating with me to find solution letter said remedi unavailable Engine bolts may over time loosen and eventually break how they want public to drive like that this should be a priority is dangerous
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Jan '22 - Reported check engine light had begun to turn off and back on when gas tank was low. Feb '22 At 19k miles catalytic convertor reported failed for code (P0420), 3 way catalyst, upper and lower gaskets, and manifold all needed to be replaced - took 4 days Aug'23 called to request service for check engine light because it was coming off and on over periods of time. Scheduled for Sep'23 Sep ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Jan '22 - Reported check engine light had begun to turn off and back on when gas tank was low. Feb '22 At 19k miles catalytic convertor reported failed for code (P0420), 3 way catalyst, upper and lower gaskets, and manifold all needed to be replaced - took 4 days Aug'23 called to request service for check engine light because it was coming off and on over periods of time. Scheduled for Sep'23 Sep ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
engine light on and gave code p3001 so change spark plugs and ignition coil and still same code ,manufacturer run compressor test and they said compartment 1 there is no compressor.and suggested me to change engine and its not even 100000 mile on ccr it just 80000.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The steering feels sticky. I started feeling symptoms from a month now and it is worsening over time. The steering feels sticky mainly when driven in freeways. Also, while changing lanes at speed <40 mph, the steering doesnot autocorrect, manual effort is needed to bring steer back to normal. Took it to dealer and they said its normal and I am not convinced with their answer
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I purchased the car in the middle of September 2023. Within a week of owning I noticed that there was a clicking sound under the steering wheel when I started to turn to the RIGHT from a stop. Several weeks later the clicking sound began when I made a turn to the LEFT from a stop as well. It happened all the time and gradually became louder. When I took the car in for the 5000 mile service and rep... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
12/30/2023 at approximately 5:30pm I drove home with the iPedal engaged. The iPedal was installed as a download to the car in August 2023. My daughter was in the passenger seat. I began to back into my driveway but shifted to Drive to straighten out the car. The car began to roll forward I took my foot off the accelerator but the car did not stop in spite of the iPedal being engaged. I put my foot... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 30 MPH, the rear windshield exploded without warning or impact. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer by his wife, and the mechanic placed a covering and seal on the windshield. The vehicle was taken to a glass replacement facility and the windshield was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
On February 6, around 3:46am, parked my vehicle on the driveway I noticed a smell like smoke, I looked at my dashboard but nothing was on, no warnings, so I entered my house a few minutes later Possibly 4 I heard a noise look outside from my window an noticed my car was on fire, immediately called 911 car garage door also cut on fire and the vehicle next to it. I m requesting an investigation Poli... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
When I started car I got service messages for side detection system, tire monitor system, safety restraint system, front camera system, trailer break system and theft deterrent system. Each one gave option to dismiss. When I would dismiss the messages would come back. When I was driving, all the things on dash, mph, oil, battery etc all stayed on zero. Super dangerous and I could have died!!!!!!. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
It has been 3 months since first notification, called KIA and dealer today 2/7/2024. Have smelled burning/melting smell. No warning lights so far. Dealer says it still has no remedy and cannot inspect or repair.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Took the vehicle twice to Toyota to check on console vibration originating from possible drivetrain (normally in cold weather). This was done under extended warranty. Also had transmission fluid replaced. Service department noticed fluid low even though there was no transmission leak. Service department couldn't duplicate issue but failed to attempt start of vehicle in early mornings as reques... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Tire info: Continental Procontact Size: 245 / 35 R 20 I was driving on city streets at normal speed during a rainy day. I turned right from one road to another road, and as I started to accelerate out of the right turn, my driver side front tire blew out and the TPMS started screaming because it read the tire pressure as 0. I immediately pulled over and checked the tire and saw a huge gash on th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
The Side Detection System failed. Both rare modules are shorted. The defective module drain out the battery, causing engine start failure. And the defective module may cause fire. I have one side of the modules repaired in three years ago. Now both sides are failed. I had two jump start in the recent month. Every time I start the engine, warning for service of Side Detection System shows up.