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: Dec 24, 2023
While driving, my vehicle suddenly lost all power and didn't respond to the accelerator. The "check engine" and "hybrid system failure" lights came on, jeopardizing my safety and that of other road users. The car overheats significantly, to the extent that the air conditioning only blows hot air. This situation forced me to pull over on the highway shoulder, creating an additional risk for everyon... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
While driving, my vehicle suddenly lost all power and didn't respond to the accelerator. The "check engine" and "hybrid system failure" lights came on, jeopardizing my safety and that of other road users. The car overheats significantly, to the extent that the air conditioning only blows hot air. This situation forced me to pull over on the highway shoulder, creating an additional risk for everyon... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 confirmed that parts ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle also experienced reduced power and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who determined that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who performe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving with the Adaptive Cruise Control engaged, the vehicle decelerated quickly, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Intermittent problem since purchasing the car in September 2021: if child safety lock is engaged when parking the car and the doors are otherwise unlocked, upon exiting the car, the rear doors will not open from the outside. Clicking unlock on the key FOB won't unlock the doors. I need to power the car on again and deactivate the lock from within the car. Earliest occurrence was in October 2021.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
One afternoon, in the Summer of 23, I entered my Toyota Prius to run some errands. Once I proceeded to power on the car, none of the dashboard lights illuminated. This included the gas gauge, speedometer & transmission indicator. Fortunately, I was only driving a few blocks down the road from my residence as I live in a small rural town with little congestion, little traffic and mostly two-lane ro... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
One afternoon, in the Summer of 23, I entered my Toyota Prius to run some errands. Once I proceeded to power on the car, none of the dashboard lights illuminated. This included the gas gauge, speedometer & transmission indicator. Fortunately, I was only driving a few blocks down the road from my residence as I live in a small rural town with little congestion, little traffic and mostly two-lane ro... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
My CVT transmission is going out, causing my car to struggle to accelerate. This could potentially cause a safety issue if the car just dies randomly or the transmission does blow and I get hit on a busy road or something. Yes the vehicles been inspected by a couple different shops and both said I need a new transmission which is about $5-6k and I’m a single mother of 2 kids (3 y/o and 3 m/o) a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
Vehicle caught fire on February 29, 2024, with family members inside the vehicle. The fire appeared to start under the hood on the right passenger side, which would directly correlate with the current open recall. The family had just made a trip back from a basketball game and was dropping off a passenger when smoke was noticed. Upon further inspection, there was an active fire under the hood, whi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
Vehicle caught fire on February 29, 2024, with family members inside the vehicle. The fire appeared to start under the hood on the right passenger side, which would directly correlate with the current open recall. The family had just made a trip back from a basketball game and was dropping off a passenger when smoke was noticed. Upon further inspection, there was an active fire under the hood, whi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
At about 4,500 miles I noticed at higher speed over 50 miles per hour a sticky steering wheel. Steering felt like it would click and hard to keep wheel straight. Constant back and forth to keep straight. Took the vehicle into AutoNation Honda Roseville on 1/5/24 with a mileage of 4,841. They determined after driving it that the EPS Gearbox needed to be replaced. This part is back ordered, and I st... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to add air to the tire with the required 35 PSI, the TPMS warning light was turned off independently. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light illuminated again and when the required 35 PSI was in the tires th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diag... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the alternator. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH during rainy weather conditions, the rain started to enter through the windshield. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 while driving at approximately 3... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
- Brake and fuel leak smell - yes - yes - no - no
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
The Object Approaching Warning alarm came on at two times when stopped at an intersection stop light. The first time was when an oncoming vehicle was approaching in the center of the intersection. The second time this occurred was when my vehicle was stopped for a stoplight with all surrounding cars stopped and not moving. If the collision mitigation system was working and the system activated whe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
ABS module malfunction all four wheel speed sensor not read in the same time and powersteering cut off cause by unready wheel speed check engine light ABS light and Steering Light on.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
There is a recall on other similar vehicles but my VIN isn’t showing as one with a recall. However, I am also experiencing “sticking” while steering. Brought the car to the dealership and received conflicting information. We were told that the tech was able to replicate the issue we stated when he test drove the car. Dealer ordered the part, which appears to be just a bolt that they stated w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
There is a recall on other similar vehicles but my VIN isn’t showing as one with a recall. However, I am also experiencing “sticking” while steering. Brought the car to the dealership and received conflicting information. We were told that the tech was able to replicate the issue we stated when he test drove the car. Dealer ordered the part, which appears to be just a bolt that they stated w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
Car sways between 60-80 mph and the shocks didn’t fix it
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
The car will be driving and just completely shut off in traffic power steering locks up. You can’t get the car into park. The windshield wipers go crazy the screen goes black. It starts doing clicking sounds I had to have the firemen come and get me out of the road my car stopped since the second time this is so dangerous, they cannot figure out what’s wrong with it I replaced the battery @ th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while checking the coolant level routinely, the contact noticed that the coolant was significantly lower than expected. The contact stated that while the coolant level was low the vehicle was driving rough while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 30-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that he opened the hood and moved the battery cables around, and the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the heater was no longer operable. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive coolant consumption. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The mechanic determined that the failur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
I was driving down a busy road when engine seized, no warnings on dash prior to failure. Luckily, I was able to catch a break in traffic and safely cruised into an open parking lot. Otherwise, it could have easily resulted in a collision. The incident occurred on Wednesday 11/22/2023. The 2017 Santa Fe had regular oil services and did not show or indicate any signs it required attention. No check ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude. The contact received a notification from Jeep stating the vehicle was under Jeep number U90 Emission Catalyst Efficiency Recall. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle decelerated and did not accelerate above 35 MPH. The traction light, check engine, and, electronic stability control lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
The vehicle has been well maintained. It has a sealed transmission, and the recall item was scheduled to be serviced because a transmission fault. Light triggered after lurching forward into route 114 while oncoming traffic was traveling at 55 mph and nearly Hit the vehicle. Occurred, Then the transmission light came on advising faulty transmission service immediately. I shifted and a few times ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
I am the original owner of my vehicle and have had my vehicle maintenance done at Niello Audi in Sacramento, CA. In May 2023, the forward facing camera on my 2016 Audi A6 stopped working. The dashboard error message was "ACC and Audi braking guard Unavailable". As a result, the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and cruise control stopped working. In J... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The gauge cluster freezes from time to time. And it is scary while driving.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
When driving at 60-70 mph steering wheel feels like it is sticking. It won't return back to center. It is a very uncomfortable feeling, like the steering wheel is going to get stuck turning. I see that there has been another complaint filed. - NHTSA ID # 11578790
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V099000 (Seat Belts); 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 manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at unknown speeds, the message "Transmission Fault, Service Now" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled shortly afterward. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later towed to another ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
I purchased a new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid from Bill Dodge Kia in Westbrook, Maine in December 2022. Beginning in January 2024, there have been numerous times when the gasoline engine does not come on, even at highway speeds. I have brought it to the Nashua and Manchester Kia dealerships, and Kia corporate has even sent out an "expert' to look into the matter. Though the dealership was able to du... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
I am writing to file a complaint against Tesla, Inc. for refusing to repair recurring suspension issues that were supposedly addressed through previous recalls. As an owner of a 2020 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] ), I have experienced numerous problems related to the vehicle's suspension system, steering, and safety restraints, which I believe pose serious safety risks. My vehicle has undergone mult... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
The vehicle began running rough Spring 2023 and all the lights on the dashboard lit up. The local mechanic did not identify any serious problem and the lights all going off seemed to be a separate issue since the whole dashboard was lit up. We continued driving it out of necessity and eventually it began stalling. Then we took it back to our mechanic who identified the fuel injectors as the issue ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
most known issue with the fusions and escapes is cars make whining noise then randomly wont drive know a couple people experiencing this issue
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
Loss of power to engine when trying to increase speed to turn into traffic/getting onto the highway and constant severe engine knocking noise. I have to use hazards when turning into traffic/merging onto highway because the vehicle takes too long to catch up with the speed of traffic. It also has a problem with excess oil consumption, needs to be refilled every week and a half to two weeks. Bremer... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel began shaking violently, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the air was bled from the dampener and the tires were rotated. Additionally, there was a crack in the ball joints, and it was diagnosed that the steering dampener needed to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
This vehicle has severe CVT problems. It shifts back and forth with a clunk on level roads at a steady speed. I have a 2015 Murano with over 80,000 miles that does not display this type of behavior. I am driving a loaner which is a 2023 Subaru with the same engine and transmission as mine and it has none of my safety problems. The additional safety problems are: very poor resolution on backup cam... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
This vehicle has severe CVT problems. It shifts back and forth with a clunk on level roads at a steady speed. I have a 2015 Murano with over 80,000 miles that does not display this type of behavior. I am driving a loaner which is a 2023 Subaru with the same engine and transmission as mine and it has none of my safety problems. The additional safety problems are: very poor resolution on backup cam... Read more
BMW
K 1600 GTL
(2012) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 26, 2024
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
Unknown Sensors possibly is the issue
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The Virtual Cockpit Unit on my Buick Encore GX ST 2024 keeps intermittently blackout at vehicle startup and or while driving. When this happens while driving, I have no way of knowing the speed, gas level, and other important information that would be displayed on the cockpit screen. At times when the screen starts to go out, it starts to glitch (images on screen are distorted). When this happe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) 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 not exper... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
All lights were on : Brake System, Emmision Control, Engine, See Dealer. Would not accelerate correctly. Sometimes would not start. Replaced spark plugs in January and also New Battery problem went away until 3/20/24. Got worse. Put oil and coolant in. Started up and lights went off but engine light came off and on. Towed to Elk Grove Honda. They said they wanted to test for coolant leaks in eng... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping. The warranty company was contacted, and the contact was informed to take the vehicle to a designated independent mechanic. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmissi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: [XXX] (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 dealer and AutoNation Honda Covington Pike (1990 Covington Pike, Memphis, TN 38128) were made aware of ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
With only 99,000 miles on my 2018 1.5L 4 cyl Accord, the electrical part of the fuel injectors is beginning to fail. This has caused misfires in multiple cylinders. My safety was put at risk because when the misfires occur the engine has stumbled and all warning icons light up and the warning messages for all systems come on. When this happens the adaptive cruise control (ACC) stops working and... Read more