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: Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electric System) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor detected. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Less than 70,000 miles and engine is loosing oil
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
Airbag light flashing. Airbag might not deploy in event of accident. Nissan service stated "code B00A0 triggered in SRS control unit. Failure within OCS circuit. Recommends replacement of OCS SENSORS and Control Unit." Stated my VIN is not included in all the other OCS recalls.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
While driving and going down the highway my vehicles HUD and all electronics inside the vehicle will just randomly kick out momentarily for not no more the 30seconds, but the head lights stay one and the car still runs. It kicks the cruise control off and this just started happening.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
2 ISSUES - 1) vehicle repaired 5 times for "transmission" problem by replacing wiring harnesses. On 5th attempt, the GM factory part or the technician caused the Tahoe to catch fire. Worst part is that it happened 1 hour after test driving and parking the car at their dealership, thankfully, I would normally have driven it home and it would have destroyed my home too. GM investigated and was un... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
I am writing to urgently request a safety recall for the GMC Terrain 2015 due to a critical issue with the lift gate mechanism, which may be both electrical and mechanical. Recently, while utilizing the lift gate for routine activities such as grocery shopping, a terrifying incident occurred that endangered the safety of my family members. Upon opening, the lift gate exhibited a concerning behavi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
My blind spot detectors went out, now as a result most of the electrical stuff no longer works. The car powers on and drains the battery randomly and the speedometer doesn’t work. Every light comes on from front camera, abs, and even power steering. I didn’t feel safe taking my kids to school and now I don’t feel I should pay $1,300 out of pocket.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
I Lost all system brake system tpms vehicle stability electric power steering hill start adaptive cruise control collision mitigation road departure Emission system problem. Check engine code that keeps popping out is P0301 have changed injectors and coil packs and have done further research on vehicle there are a lot of people stating they are a bad batch of injector and I have looked up to buy ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I Lost all system brake system tpms vehicle stability electric power steering hill start adaptive cruise control collision mitigation road departure Emission system problem. Check engine code that keeps popping out is P0301 have changed injectors and coil packs and have done further research on vehicle there are a lot of people stating they are a bad batch of injector and I have looked up to buy ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
GM had sent a letter regarding recall on 2020 Chevy Colorado's Cam shaft in 2/2024. In 11/2023, I had my check engine light on and had the cam shaft issue fixed by my mechanic, before it was a known recall. By law, GM should pay me for the work done on the truck, but GM for the last 2 months have been, what I feel, playing with me and have not paid me. I have sent the required paperwork several... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
While using the Full Self Driving Mode (FSD) the vehicle will randomly and without warning slam on the brakes at highway speeds and decelerate to 30-50mph on an active highway. If the highway is multilane, the car will slow and attempt to change lanes. It appears the vehicle thinks that something is in the road, even if the road is clear. This happens multiple times on my longer road trips, and... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
The adaptive cruise control doesn't work for the vehicle in front of me but the vehicle on the side. It will slam on the brakes when there is no vehicle in front of me but with a vehicle on the side. Tbsi has almost caused numerous accidents. The automatic braking/forward Collison warning happens when a vehicle is passing me going the oposite direction.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
3500# axles added to a trailer with a gross weight of 3920#. Tires are severely worn on the inside from an undersized axel. Possible tire blow out if not corrected.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
On or about Sep 25th 2023, automatic brake system invertedly activated while driving 40mph with no traffic. Dealership could not find any codes or errors. On or about Apr 01st 2024, automatic brake system invertedly activated while driving 40mph with no traffic. Dealership could not find any codes or errors. On or about Apr 03rd 2024, vehicle turned on all by its shelf with no key fob around. Op... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Shift to park when the car is in park notice
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Vehicle caught fire and burned up while idling at my babysitters
Fire
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The airbag system detected a fault and caused an automated vehicle warning message, which, with further dealer diagnosis, caused the driver seat belt to have a ground fault issue, preventing the normal, safe, and fully operating vehicle airbags. The cause and what must be replaced to rectify the problem are unknown. Volvo has poor customer support and satisfaction regarding avoidable repairs, al... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a safety issue with my 2023 Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan that occurred on April [XXX] 2024. VIN: [XXX] The issue involved the steering wheel locking unexpectedly. After parking the car overnight for 15 hours, I returned to find a message indicating lane departure assist wasn't working, and the steering wheel was completely locked and inoperable. I attempt... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The lane assist stopped working properly and pulled me into the guardrail
Crash
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
Oil light came on, then 10 mins later engine light came on. Car started to jerk back and forth. Engine was making a loud rough noise.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
This vehicle was rear ended with rear frame damage. The airbag light stays on and the seat belt was ejected and lock. The seat now will not extend to fit and latch. My wife the owner of the car [XXX] head and body was jerked extremely hard due to the lack of airbag not deploying. My wife completed all required maintenance with the BMW dealer prior to the accident. This is frustrating since we pai... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
I was driving and powersteering fluid drained and I lost control of the steering, and guide the car against the side walk. Had a mechanic change the powers steering fluid line. But now it's shooting up instead leaking down, it clogged all my spark plugs ,plus cause my cam shaft and crank shaffsensor to malfunction.,plus my belt got shredded. And now it's been over a year, and I still can't drive ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 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 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
On 4/6/24 the steering wheel locked while driving the car . Causing the car to go off the road into a 40 ft ditch and hit a tree
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
On 4/6/24 the steering wheel locked while driving the car . Causing the car to go off the road into a 40 ft ditch and hit a tree
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
I was driving and powersteering fluid drained and I lost control of the steering, and guide the car against the side walk. Had a mechanic change the powers steering fluid line. But now it's shooting up instead leaking down, it clogged all my spark plugs ,plus cause my cam shaft and crank shaffsensor to malfunction.,plus my belt got shredded. And now it's been over a year, and I still can't drive ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
I have a 2022 Corolla Cross XLE. There have been multiple occurrences where I will be stopped waiting to cross traffic. As I go to accelerate forward quickly, the vehicle begins to move and then the vehicle stops like it has lost power but the vehicle is still turned on without any warning lights or anything. You attempt to floor the gas pedal to get the vehicle to move to avoid being hit by on... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) 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 a ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
225/60R18 100H Primacy A/S Tire Tire chunking at 800 miles and again at 3000 miles.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
225/60R18 100H Primacy A/S Tire Tire chunking at 800 miles and again at 3000 miles.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel went black. The vehicle was restarted, and the instrument panel lights illuminated but the vehicle began shaking from the driver's side. The check oil warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she felt heat coming from where her feet were located under the das... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was an oil leak into the engine c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
Oil was leaking when we bought the car. By the time of the first service at the dealer (~7,500 miles), I had noticed the plastic underbody cover has some smeared oil that was making it past the plastic cover and fasteners. I had assumed they would catch any problems, but after the service they did not mention seeing anything, so I kept a closer eye on it. Brought it back about 1 to 2 months later ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Back three (3) cylinders, namely #3 cylinder, constantly fouls out. Vehicle has less than 100k miles on it and has been regularly serviced.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
My car is a 2015 Mercedes Benz, I bought it at the agency in 2022. When I tested the vehicle at the agency, I noticed the steering was a little hard. I asked the sales person and he told me it was normal. Then, after 1 year and 5 months, it was on its way. I went to work and the steering wheel jammed and it wouldn't cross and the car turned off then it didn't want to start and it said the followin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The vacuum pump seized causing the breaks to not work, brake assist not working code shows. The pump was replaced and after a week the same issue happened (vacuum pump seized) breaks are not working again.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
While driving vehicle warning light service stabilitrak....reduced engine power comes on. Vehicle then slows and can not drive over 20 to 30 mph. This has occurred randomly at highway speeds while driving on interstate in traffic. Sudden reduction caused traffic to have to slow quickly and almost caused a collision.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
While driving vehicle warning light service stabilitrak....reduced engine power comes on. Vehicle then slows and can not drive over 20 to 30 mph. This has occurred randomly at highway speeds while driving on interstate in traffic. Sudden reduction caused traffic to have to slow quickly and almost caused a collision.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
CAR EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATES WITH NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME THIS HAS HAPPEND TO ME 3 TIMES TODAY IT SLOWED ME DOWN TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE INTERSTATE AND TOOK A FEW SECONDS TO DISENGAGE WITH CARS SWERVING AROUND ME TO AVOID COLLISION THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Parking brake randomly engages at low speeds. This happens very often. Brake pedal requires pump to have solid brake pedal. Dealer couldn't find anything wrong. Randomly says I have blinker lights out and day time lights are out. This model doesn't have day time running lights. This van also in in windy conditions randomly engages abs braking even on icy road conditions which can cause me to loose... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (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. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The Tesla Large Drive Motor, has a known design flaw that Tesla will not repair… it has a coolant leak the affects and kills the motor… they have down a redesign for the performance motor called a coolant delete but not for the LDU… and they will charge over $6500 to replace the motor. I’m on my 6th LDU (motor) and now out warranty. There are thousands of cases of this failure .. it sho... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the flex... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
My cluster panel went dead and there was a recall for it but the first owner got it fixed and ford wouldn’t do it for me. I couldn’t afford to get it fixed and so it stayed dead. My car eventually broke down on me while driving because I was unable to read the transmission fault warning (because the cluster panel doesn’t work). I just had to buy a whole new transmission and ford is still ref... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The transmission of the car gave out within 95000 miles even after regular maintenance at authorized Honda dealerships. So, the car lasted only 10 years and less than 100K miles. The cost to replace the broken CVT transmission is more than the value of the car meaning you have to basically trash your car after 10 years.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Within in the past year I have had to have my entire rear brake system repaired and they keep stating that the emergency park brake is malfunctioning and getting stuck. I have had those parts replaced and now I being told again that the same problem is occurring. There has to be an issue with the brake system that keeps causing this to happen after repairs have been made.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
My vehicle has been issued recall 23S27 by Ford initially noted in May of 2023. A resolution was to be available in Oct, or 4th quarter of 2023. That did not happen. I received another recall notice from Ford saying the recall would be resolved in the first quarter of 2024. While completing my taxes on April 15, I remembered this and also that no action or repair has been detailed or explained. Th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
Over the past 100 miles my F250 4x4 has nearly lost control because of a violent shaking, or wobbling of the front end. It has happened four (4) times when driving on paved surfaces at approximately 50-55mph; it has happened once while I was braking at approximately 45mph (this would be the 5th time). I immediately slowed down (without hard braking) when the wobbling occurred, but I believe that... Read more