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 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
Incident date: Mar 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the heater in the on position, the vehicle overheated. The temperature gauge increased to the highest level. The engine was overheating, and the message was displayed. The contact had to turn the heater off. The contact called the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was nee... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The Fisker Ocean is an unsafe vehicle. In the two and a half months I have owned the vehicle, I have experienced the following serious safety issues that have put other vehicles and my self at risk: - The vehicle will accelerate unexpectedly, nearly causing me to crash into a vehicle ahead of me on one occasion and almost run into oncoming traffic in another occasion. - Blind spot protection is in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
On [XXX], 2024 had a complete break down while driving on the highway on the way home from work. No warning light prior to the incident. Towed via ERS on my auto insurance policy to Plaza Tire Service, [XXX] . They replaced spark plugs and coils. Still sputtering and code on cylinder 3. Then taken to HW Kia of [XXX] in Ballwin, Mo (this was the closest dealership that said they could get to it ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
Vehicle caught fire while parked after driving.
Fire
Incident date: May 3, 2024
I began hearing a rattling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. I believed it was possibly the suspension, as the vehicle would also bounce more often than expected when going over any irregularities in the road (potholes, speed bumps, normal wear on roads, etc). I brought it to the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, and they found no issues. I had previously replaced all 4 tires and ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
I began hearing a rattling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. I believed it was possibly the suspension, as the vehicle would also bounce more often than expected when going over any irregularities in the road (potholes, speed bumps, normal wear on roads, etc). I brought it to the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, and they found no issues. I had previously replaced all 4 tires and ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Android auto provides an interface between an Android phone and a car's display and audio system. One of the primary features is navigation and turn-by-turn directions. Beginning about 6 months ago, Android auto has failed to announce turn-by-turn directions. It is not obvious that it is in this failure mode until you notice that turns are not being announced. The user interface indicates that th... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Going down the road at 70mph and tire blew out. It only had 8600 miles on it. Tire size 245/75r/17
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the engine was checked, and no issues were found with the engine. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that after completing an inspection of the engine compartme... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact had been pulled over by authorities on three separate occasions due to inoperable rear taillights. The contact stated that the interior housing unit for both the left and right rear taillights had begun to melt which caused the defect. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was initially informed that the vehicle would be serviced un... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
BMW has a voice assistant "BMW Assistant" which I have turned off. I verified the setting through a call today with Kingsley of the BMW Genius hotline, 844-443-6487. The problem I am experiencing is that although turned off, the Assistant keeps trying to turn itself on by asking permission which I am driving. One has to either press a button or repeatedly speak to it to try and stop its message... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake violently, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming from the battery. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the bat... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Car has power steering issue most noticeable at highway speeds. The steering sticks and has resistance to small adjustments, especially trying to go straight then suddenly the resistance gives way and the wheel snaps to the side over steering to that side. Issue has been going on for years and seems to be getting progressively worse. This issue seems to match the description of the EPS defect o... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Kick stand spring came off of the bike. Kick stand was dragging and engine ignition was cut off by the safety switch. I lost control of the bike mid-turn d/t wheel rear drag. I did not crash d/t decades of riding experience., but did leave my traffic lane. Examination of the vehicle showed inadequate spring retention tabs that were badly worn. A Triumph forum stated others had similar experie... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Vehicle had strong smell of fuel after short trip. Investigated, found fuel on harness behind engine. Took vehicle to dealership. Dealer found "diagnose hole in fuel supply tube. Damage caused from contacting and rubbing on engine wire harness. Fuel line bundle will need tom be replaced. VEHICLE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE!." There were no warning lamps, messages, or any other signs of a problem ex... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH and turning right, the vehicle aggressively veered to the right causing the vehicle to land in a ditch on the side of the roadway. The contact was able to successfully depress the brake pedal. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to drive the vehicle out of the ditch and continued to drive at v... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH and turning right, the vehicle aggressively veered to the right causing the vehicle to land in a ditch on the side of the roadway. The contact was able to successfully depress the brake pedal. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to drive the vehicle out of the ditch and continued to drive at v... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
3 times now, I am driving straight and flat about 35-40 MPH, dry conditions, and the AEB triggers with nobody around me at all.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Service electronic braking system / ABS service antilock brake system. Both these lights come on and ding, half a second later they are off. This happens non stop, looks like everyone is having this problem. This should be a recall not a $1200 fix. I only have 58,252 miles on my truck. This problem for me has been going on and off for 2 months.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2011 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle crossed over into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on collision with the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the oil pressure warning light illum... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that whenever it rained, several unkno... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, all four windows failed to op... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed the parts were not yet available for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V158000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 M... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to park and exit the vehicle through the front driver’s side door, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated in reverse. As a result of the failure, the driver's side door struck her arm and leg causing injuries. The contact stated that the vehicle drove off a cliff, and one of the tires experienced a blowout and th... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to park and exit the vehicle through the front driver’s side door, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated in reverse. As a result of the failure, the driver's side door struck her arm and leg causing injuries. The contact stated that the vehicle drove off a cliff, and one of the tires experienced a blowout and th... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
Track bar bracket separating from frame. Coolant leaking into engine. This has been going on for about a year since we bought it. Dealer just says there’s nothing wrong with it. But we have been taking it to mechanics since we got it.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
Track bar bracket separating from frame. Coolant leaking into engine. This has been going on for about a year since we bought it. Dealer just says there’s nothing wrong with it. But we have been taking it to mechanics since we got it.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
Passenger door panel fell off on the freeway. It was on with adhesive tape and 3 small clips. Bottom clip was still in the door, the other two pulled out when it blew off.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
Track bar bracket separating from frame. Coolant leaking into engine. This has been going on for about a year since we bought it. Dealer just says there’s nothing wrong with it. But we have been taking it to mechanics since we got it.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
During drives I feel my vehicle stalling out as I push on the gas pedal. This occurs randomly and I'm sure the fuel/pump needs to be replaced soon. I've even experienced the engine to shake and a few times it has not started. I regularly drive this vehicle and I have been trying to get the part replaced since the recall was submitted. This is unsafe for my wife and kids as well as myself.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Driving down 4 lane state highway adaptive cruise on. Car in front of us pulled into left turn lane, was no longer in front of us. Dash lit up emergency notification and slammed us on breaks. Reported to VW told “likely a sensor issue tech just not there yet”. Happened again on state hwy. traveling at 65 mph. NO cars on hwy with us emergent message on dash and slammed on breaks. Recently ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Driving down 4 lane state highway adaptive cruise on. Car in front of us pulled into left turn lane, was no longer in front of us. Dash lit up emergency notification and slammed us on breaks. Reported to VW told “likely a sensor issue tech just not there yet”. Happened again on state hwy. traveling at 65 mph. NO cars on hwy with us emergent message on dash and slammed on breaks. Recently ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Last week when I was driving my car on the street, and wanted to make a left the steering wheel was very hard to turn. And the next day It happened again , steering hard to turn and it’s been intermittent but not driving my car right now, thanks for your attention
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Water is leaking onto floor board on passenger side. No plugs are clogged.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Power steering drive with care. Stabilitak. Steering problems
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Drove the vehicle approx 18 miles to work in the morning. The vehicle sat parked, locked and secured in a corporate office lot visible from office. Left for the day and as I started to drive began to smell gasoline. Looked for a gas trail and didn’t see it. Continued to drive and occasionally would smell gas. When I arrived at home, looked in the engine bay and it was dry. Looked underneath and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Vehicle was having issues charging large battery. Would shut off immediately. Today 12v battery died, probably related to ICCU recall performed earlier this month.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The man... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
Multiple Models and Model Years Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy NHTSA SENSORS not working. The campaign number is 23V865 : OCS Sensors May Short Circuit An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Components AIR BAGS The official recall release date was December 20, 2023.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Driving 60miles an hour the entire car shot down. No lights, no control, the car was completely off it was a very scary situation The car still not turning on
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
I having issues the the CarPlay gps. Only happens with my BW cross sport. The gps 20% of the time will not know where it is. It drifts off from where it is suppose to be.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
Driver display is blank (no speed, gear position, odometer, gas tank, etc), with the exception of some warning icons like tire pressure and passenger seat belt status. Does no return after turning off power.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact 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 electronic power steering. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. 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 contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission became very difficult to shift into first gear. The contacted that the transmission was partially engaged. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the leadframe. The contact was ... Read more