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 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.
Incident date: May 18, 2024
235-40-19 Bridgestone stock tires wore out before 25,000 miles causing wheemls to bed easily. Had to repurchase wheel replacements and new tires after 1 year of purchase
Incident date: May 21, 2024
I was driving down the highway and there was a loud bang and something hit me in the back of my head. It felt like something was thrown and me with significant force from behind. The headrest exploded for no apparent reason while we were traveling 65 miles per hr and threw me forward as I was driving. This could have caused serious harm to me personally or could have caused an accident and harm to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
235-40-19 Bridgestone stock tires wore out before 25,000 miles causing wheemls to bed easily. Had to repurchase wheel replacements and new tires after 1 year of purchase
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle; there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the coolant and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mecha... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview display displayed a blurry, distorted image, compromising the back-over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Nu... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted about the recall; 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 recal... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I bought the car new in 2015 and after about only 40,000 miles I began getting a Propulsion Reduced error and the car would have very slow acceleration. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the accelerator for $500. It drove fine for a month, but then the acceleration was reduced again. I took it back to the dealer and they were stumped. They wanted to charge me $1300 just to replace some wir... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
P219a, p064d Total system shutdown was not recrank. Was in the middle of a four-way intersection when car died. Independent service diagnose the problem Have checked the Ford recall list and there are three recalls address to my vehicle Oil pressure light battery light and check engine light
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
P219a, p064d Total system shutdown was not recrank. Was in the middle of a four-way intersection when car died. Independent service diagnose the problem Have checked the Ford recall list and there are three recalls address to my vehicle Oil pressure light battery light and check engine light
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
On 12/15/2023 I was driving and my Car stalled as I was pulling in to my father’s RV Park and would not start again I went back next day and it started Then a Month later and I was on my way home from Costco and my car just stopped I had to have it Toed to my house it started the next day then on 04/01/2024 I went to the store and on the way home my Car just started making a loud noise like a r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a critical safety issue with my 2016 Acura MDX, and the subsequent exclusion of my vehicle from a known recall that directly addresses the problems we are experiencing. Without any prior warning, we began hearing a fluttering sound coming from the engine whenever we accelerated. This noise progressively worsened and evolved into a pronounced knocki... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2024
Vehicle's paint located on the front of the hood and top of roof close to the front windshield has started to delaminate and peel away. The dealer said the vehicle is out of warranty for paint concerns. I know this is a large problem from Kia/Hyundia white vehicles. My son's 2015 Sonata, daughter's 2012 Sorento and now my wife's 2020 Telluride! All thease vehicles are white and all are peel or hav... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
My 2016 Chevy Volt experienced a loss of propulsion power multiple times due to the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve failing. The malfunctioning EGR valve caused the F3 fuse to break, disabling the cooling system and forcing me to pull over immediately, which posed a safety risk, especially in high-traffic areas or on highways. The problem was reproduced when the replacement EGR valve also fa... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
My engine failed while driving on a highway. The engine began ticking, and then completely failed. The tow truck driver reported oil leakage. I towed it to a mechanic and he said it was completely blown and irreparable. He reported this as a recurring problem with hyundai and kia cars that "eat up oil" and then damage the engine. The oil light has not been on, I've gotten regular oil changes and w... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
Collision warning failed. Automatic emergency braking failed. Unknown if brakes were delayed or had issue stopping. I rear ended the car the in front of me, going from a stop while attempting to make a right hand turn. There were no system warnings or emergency braking applied although the car is equipped with those and many more safety features. During the accident the air bags were not d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
This safety problem pertains to all vehicles sold in the U.S., not only my make and model. I was horrified to learn that the crash ratings are inaccurate for most women and all short people, because they were developed only for average sized men. It should be no surprise that when collisions occur, more women than men are seriously injured. More women than men are injured when air bags deploy. Mor... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
This safety problem pertains to all vehicles sold in the U.S., not only my make and model. I was horrified to learn that the crash ratings are inaccurate for most women and all short people, because they were developed only for average sized men. It should be no surprise that when collisions occur, more women than men are seriously injured. More women than men are injured when air bags deploy. Mor... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
My vehicle dash board has started cracking in several locations. Causing a risk to my safety, having the potential of breaking up in the event of a crash casing the dash board to break up and shatter that would cause injury to my passenger and myself. I have seen on the internet where Hyundai has a recall on this, but I was not contracted about this and wound like this matter review please thanks
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Rear tail panel lights don’t work, water intrusion causing failure
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Rear tail panel lights don’t work, water intrusion causing failure
Incident date: May 17, 2024
Gas door stuck closed
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Kia EV6. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly to 25 MPH. The message " Stop Vehicle and Check Power Supply" was displayed. The contact attempted to drive to the residence; however, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
The contact leased a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) 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 not made aware of the issue. The cont... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
“Service trailer brake system” won’t turn over but will crank Transmission shifting very hard around 3rd and 4th gear
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
Excessive oil use. After 500 miles on a new oil change oil needs to be added. Usually 1 quart every 500 miles.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact checked the oil level and the oil level appeared normal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery and spark plugs needed to be replaced, and the tires needed to be rotated. The veh... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After jumpstarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
My dad purchased my truck from the church secretary where he attended in March of 2015. At the time of purchase it only had 66,000 miles on it. The secretary’s father owned it and used it from new until 6 months before we purchased it and only used it to help feed his cows. 1. Window washer motor circuit 2. Seatbelt need’s stitched 3. The overload sticker is wrong Came in after we purchase... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop. Additionally, the brake pedal felt spongy, with a hissing sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local service center which diagnosed that the power brake booster and master cylinder were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The automatic high-beam system in my 2024 EV9 is not sensitive enough to dim the headlights for traffic. Quite frequently it will just leave the brights on even though there is obviously traffic in the way. It does this for oncoming traffic, traffic moving in the same direction ahead of me, and crossing traffic. It does dim the lights only under some circumstances and is very inconsistent. This p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Pre-collision assist not working, despite multiple trips to dealership for this problem. Starting about 6 months ago, the Mach-E would periodically alert that the "pre-collision assist" was not working as a result of a front-camera fault. This was indicate by a visual indication on the dash of the front camera fault followed by "pre-collision assist unavailable" Recently, since recall 23B50 was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
On Sunday [XXX] I was driving to work, there was a moment where I felt the steering wheel was very stiff to the point where it felt weird and hard to control. I felt the two front wheels a bit odd, but then it went back to normal. I paid no attention to it after. As I was driving on [XXX] , my car started to automatically move to the left and I tried steering my wheel to get back in lane, but the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal beeping sound heard. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. While reversing in the driveway, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard before the vehicle stopped. The contact's husband an independent mechanic informed her that the brake actuator needed to b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal beeping sound heard. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. While reversing in the driveway, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard before the vehicle stopped. The contact's husband an independent mechanic informed her that the brake actuator needed to b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
ON [XXX] my spouse was driving her new 2024 GMC Terrain in Asheville, NC. When suddenly the car stopped and when was able to maintain control and coast to a safe area. The vehicle was subsequently taken to the dealers service center GMC Asheville, NC (Harry's on the Hill). The diagnosis was determined to be a defective a transmission valve body. In discussion with the dealer service manager he ind... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
While driving, there was a very loud pop, following by the sound of glass shattering. I was unable to tell which window was broken since it was dark outside (early morning before sunrise), but I could hear wind coming into the car. I pulled over and inspected my car, and that is when I noticed that the middle portion of the panoramic sunroof was completely shattered. Fortunately, the inside cover... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
On May 10, 2024 my passenger headrest deployed on its own. I went to work, came back to my car for lunch and heard a pop and saw my passenger headrest deployed. No accident, no one hit my car, just my car parked. I did some research and found a recall for my make and model. I contacted the dealership that I bought the car and was told there's no recall and my problem is mechanical. I contacted ano... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
Quite often, the display screen for the back up camera does not turn on at all. It will also go blank during use at times.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2022
on 11/28/2023 My family and I were driving on the freeway I heard what sounded like a soda can explode under my feet in the engine compartment. I immediately lost power brakes and power steering. There was a large amount of smoke instantly. Within about 3 to 5 seconds the cab started to fill with smoke and fire was coming out of the driver's front wheel well. My insurance has had the vehicle in a... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The camshaft leaks and has been recalled, but Ford is refusing to fix it….
Incident date: May 14, 2024
I was driving around 55 and suddenly lost control and fish tailed to the right, then to the left over the center line, then back to the right. Luckily no other vehicles on the road. The rear driver side toe link broke. I discovered there's a recall for this exact problem with the exact possible worst case scenario that I went through. [FORD RECALL CODE: 2oSo4] This recall includes "2013-18 Ford ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The flex plate on my vehicle was cracked. Which damaged the transmission pump. We heard what sounded like a box of rocks which quickly got louder and louder we took the car to the dealer the next day. We had no other warnings something was wrong no engine light or anything. Had this plate broken completely we likely would have crashed and our small children could have been hurt. We took it to our ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel became inoperable. The service power steering message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was water intrusion into the electrical connector. The vehicle was repaire... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
There hasn't been an incident yet. But, I want a record of this somewhere. I'm assuming there may be an incident in the future; and, I'm concerned about that. Either an incident with my truck or an incident with the 100s of thousands of Ford and Lincoln vehicles from 2017-2023 that have this issue. The issue is Ford SSM 51939 - a whining noise coming from the bellhousing and the front of the t... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
POWER STEERING FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. STEERING WAS TOO HEAVY TO CONTINUE TO TURN. ALMOST CRASHED INTO CAR COMING OPPOSITE DIRECTION, CAR ALONGSIDE, AND REAR ENDED BY TRUCK BEHIND. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE RAM DOES NOT MAKE THE PART ANYMORE AND IT IS SOLD OUT NATIONWIDE AS SO MANY HAVE FAILED. PART # R8573449aa WHY HASN"T THERE BEEN A RECALL IF SO MANY HAVE FAILED? THE TRUCK IS UN... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
Vacuum pump failed and developed a tear almost leading to an accident. Now part of the pump system broke into motor leading to potential engine failure.
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Clunking in the front suspension drivers side consistent with a broken strut housing... just like on our last 3 Acura MDX's that had breaks in the Super Handling All Wheel Drive magnetic shocks.
Incident date: May 6, 2024
My vehicle has no driver screen. It completely went black. Cannot monitor my speed or check anything on the dash screen.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
There are bolts that are too long in the space for a spare tire that prevents storing a spare tire in the well.