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 12, 2024
The transmission suddenly went out while driving on the freeway. The vehicle suddenly reduced speed while on busy freeway impeding the flow of traffic.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
Just purchased a 2024 Dodge Hornet for my daughter on [XXX] She was involved in an accident on [XXX]. Cause of the accident was brake failure - as a result of said failure, she stuck a fuel truck going 45 mph on a highway offramp. Airbags did not deploy, seat belt did not lock. Why did this happen on a brand-new vehicle with under 500 miles on it. A witness, who was travelling behind my daugh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
We bought Tucson 2024 Sel from Stafford Hyundai [XXX]. We were happy new vehicle owner and yourself. Sales told us it will be good for at least few years without any problem after four months and 22 days the vehicle started not running call Chantilly service they connected me with the online service and they suggested us to call Roadside assistant and jumpstart. while we talk with them jumpsta... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
Frame and others components are very rusted
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Car will restart after it is turned off and left for awhile. Transmission will jerk hard while in gear and driving.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that the front and rear sub frame were extremely rusted. The contact also stated the shock tube had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front and rear sub frame needed to be replaced. The d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
The steering rack on my 2018 Ford Focus failed completely as I was leaving the parking lot at work at the end of the day. This vehicle is currently having being repaired at the Ford dealer and is available for inspection. No injuries or accidents occured as a result of the power steering failure. I do believe my safety and that of other drivers was put at risk because of the inability to maneuver... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
Car caught on fire under hood
Fire
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
My truck had smoke rolling out at work when I noticed it. Tried to put it out it Burnt my hands ! destroyed the inside I had it towed and insurance investigator said it was do to a brake controller for the trailer. And I took it to get estimate and the service dept said it was do To brake controller my truck was totaled my wallet toast my coat was toast my I phone my deposit my truck i drove dai... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
Brake booster has gone out. This is a known, dangerous issue that Toyota knows will occur, It is a dangerous and expensive risk to those driving these ticking time bombs, and those potentially in the path of these vehicles. This is a pure safety risk item. No one asking for these brake actions are gaining anything materially other than the use of their cars safely. To make matters worse, Toyota ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
It is not staying in the proper level
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
I was driving and I received a drive motor failure. I lost all ability to accelerate and once under 7 mph the car shuddered to a stop. The dash shut down immediately. After exiting the vehicle and locking it, I rendered and the car seemed operational. I drove again to try to return home with the same issue occurring. I repeated this process with my emergency lights on to get the vehicle the re... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
I have to add oil to my every 2 days.. there is no leaks and I get frequent oil changes. Also acceleration to meet state limits my Rpm go super high not wanting to shift. Again no leaks and have checked so there is good transmission fluid in it
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Front suspension issues with lots of creaking and noise when accelerating and decelerating as well as turning. Tesla had previously greased my upper control arms but this issue is now back, worse than ever
Incident date: May 3, 2024
sticky steering while driving above 25 mph. Steering feels as if there is a "catch" in it and will become "stuck" which makes the driver have to make adjustments to the steering wheel to make it "unstick"; especially noticable at highway speed in a sweeping left hand turn. drivers noticed this starting to occur approx. 1000 miles ago, and it is getting progressivley worse. no accident "yet", v... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Engine stalling and slowing when going over 35 mph. Noticed recalls for other Kia engines for the same thing why have the Turbo engines not been recalled?? Not safe when you are getting on an interstate and traffic is going 80 mph.
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Starting on May 6, 2024, my vehicle display showed an error message stating "Front passenger safety restraint system fault - Service is required." I alerted Tesla of this error through my phone app and set an appointment to have this fixed. I then received an estimate of $1400 which consisted of replacement of the passenger airbag ($1000) as well as an additional sensor that Tesla is indicating... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Transmission is bad. Toyota dealership says it needs to be replaced. Really? In a 2018 Toyota. I thought these were good cars. Supposed to last a long time. That’s why I paid over $30,000 for it. And this is what I get. There is something wrong with this scenario. I could have bought a much cheaper car and it would still be functioning fine.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Energy Saver A/S, Tire Size: P265/65/R18, DOT Number: M3KA. The contact stated the tires contain a tire identification number (TIN) that is missing the 4-digit week and year code mark. As such, these tires fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 574, "Tire Identificat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
ABS lit stayed lit and AWD error lit also on.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
My Edge has 90k miles. Slightly stutters and bucks while driving slow. Ford service did a transmission update but it did not fix the problem. They said I need a new torque converter. I was just reading other owners saying they also need new converters.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Two things here. One is when using adaptive cruise control; when there is a car in front that is going slower than your speed your car will slow down. But when it goes out of the way the car will just rev up as much as it can and just catch up to speed. My Camry before this had two options of speeding up; one slower than the other so it saves the transmission. Also, my engine would randomly be at ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while inspecting the engine compartment, he observed abnormal corrosion on the battery terminals. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
While turning a corner at low speed to enter a parking lot, the right rear tire lifted up onto the curb. The car stopped at a parking spot 100ft later. A low tire pressure alarm indicated an issue, upon inspection there was an audible hiss and the right rear of the car was lower than the other sides. As there was no spare, roadside assistance was contacted and towed the car to the nearest dealersh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
The engine started using coolant. it uses so much I have to add coolant every other day. The engine now has started to be hard to start and chugs for a short time after starting. After research I found that the ecoboost engine had a design flaw the Ford corrected in 2020 with an engine upgrade. I think Ford should be responsible for replacing my engine not me.
Incident date: May 10, 2024
Since I’ve brought the car there is always an issue with the car overheating and something with the cooling system that needs to be repaired. It happens frequently and I’ve spent more in repairs than what I paid for the car. It’s always something with the coolant system that causes it to overheat which is dangerous.
Incident date: May 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. 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 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 confir... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
The contact owned a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the rear driver's side and there was a burning odor. The vehicle was parked and the contact noticed smoke coming from the driver's rear side of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The fire was extinguished by the Fire department but the cause of the fi... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Got on freeway on ramp. About 3/4 of a mile later, warning came on “Stop Safely, vehicle will shut off soon” - red turtle appeared, and service engine soon light came on. 1. Transmission - it is at this point, but part has been ordered to replace 2.Going freeway speeds (73MPH) and had to immediately slow and pull over with little warning. If the traffic would have been heavier, there is a g... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
While driving I get a return for service and all my dash lights and rear view mirror goes blank with light flashing and aural warning. Have taken to dealer and they replace backup camera, simplest fix for them, then it did it again when I picked up and continues to do while driving home. I have not driven in over 4 months waiting on parts which Ram says are not available.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
While driving I get a return for service and all my dash lights and rear view mirror goes blank with light flashing and aural warning. Have taken to dealer and they replace backup camera, simplest fix for them, then it did it again when I picked up and continues to do while driving home. I have not driven in over 4 months waiting on parts which Ram says are not available.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
Chech engine light keeps coming on. Dealer said it was an evap canister issue, I told them warning had come on prior for check fuel fill cap. (Capless). Said they needed to replace purge cylinoid. So as I'm paying $500 for the repair, I'm told this might not fix the issue. What? Started with small evap leak. And fuel door codes. That only came on at 1/4 tank used. Now it's a large leak t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the USB port became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the unit was destroyed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer informed the contact that liquid might have fallen into the unit. The vehicle was repaired. The contact replaced the charging cord. The contact stated that while driving at ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P); however, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth and then firmly shifted into park(P) before the proper gear was recognized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised the contact to t... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart after the first failure. The contact stated that on the second occasion, the vehicle was restarted, but the vehicle began shaking violently. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed tha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2017
Power steering assist is occasionally lost and makes vehicles hard to manuver. If the car is turned off and restarted the problem is momentarily fixed but happens again at random.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2019
The contact owns a 2015 Infiniti QX60. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact maneuvered the steering wheel in the correct direction, and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the steering wheel failed to lock as designed. The contact stated that the failure recurred... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Taos equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen HP71, Tire Size: 215/55/R18, DOT Number: [XXX]. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the warning light was reset. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The contact stated that the tires were defective; however, the dealer refused ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
I lose power in my vehicle and the code is saying something about my exhaust not showing the correct air pressure. This is causing my truck to shake and gas and brake pedal to stiffen while driving
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. 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 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 confi... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local service center 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: Apr 1, 2024
The radio and head unit is glitching and automatically doing crazy things. The lighting is also affected on the head unit. The radio volume will turn up loud for no reason. It is intermittent. The dealership says it’s bubbling and head would have to be replaced..but back ordered parts and 3,000 dollars. I’ve googled and this is a well known issue with 2019 Subarus, but it’s a safety issue if... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The radio and head unit is glitching and automatically doing crazy things. The lighting is also affected on the head unit. The radio volume will turn up loud for no reason. It is intermittent. The dealership says it’s bubbling and head would have to be replaced..but back ordered parts and 3,000 dollars. I’ve googled and this is a well known issue with 2019 Subarus, but it’s a safety issue if... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made loud rattling sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact relat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting) 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 contact had ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the exterior A-Pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the exterior B-Pillar trim also detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the parts were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred and both trims detach... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Passenger restraint system malfunction just came out of the blue. In the morning it was fine, in the afternoon when I went out to my car it threw this error. Other cars in the 5 and X series with the sport seats I have were also recalled for this same issue, but there is no recall for my car. Please help!
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and the key fob was inserted, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that he observed a clanking noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Prius equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Primacy Season, Tire Size: 195/50/R19, DOT Number: (NA). The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH on several occasions, the four tires experienced blowouts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side rear tire needed... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Vehicle ACC, Lane Departure system and collision mitigation braking system all turn off and there is no recall. This has caused unwanted braking at times as well. Overall, this system is completely non-functional in my vehicle and I am seeing this issue with other people all over the internet. There has been a new battery installed, multiple attempts finding a solution and nothing on the scanner c... Read more