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: Mar 25, 2024
The HECU fuse in my Kia has the risk of starting an engine fire. It is currently part of a recall. I have checked this with your organization using my VIN number. I am unable to drive my vehicle due to the potential risk for me and passengers. This has made life extremely inconvenient. Even going to work has been difficult because I've had to rely on other modes of transportation. Kia has been una... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
Hyundai announced recall over 6 months ago and there is still no remedy. Manufacturer Recall Number 251 NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000 They advise to park outside. I've been parking outside for these 6 months, while I have a perfectly good garage available. Since I've been parking outside, I've been concerned over a number of issues: safety walking outside at night, possible theft, slipping on ic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
I am having multiple electrical glitches with the vehicle. While I was in bluecruise the self driving mode the vehicle warned me to take control and when I did the vehicle was stuck in a loop on the highway with notifications alarms. I was able to take a video one of the times. I took it to the ford dealer and they said they needed me to bring it back when an engineer was available. While waiting ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the Battery Range Zero Miles message displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The Propulsion Power Reduced message was then displayed, and the engine inadvertently shut off. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and shifted the transmission into park(P) when th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
2018 Accord consistently has the warning pop up for the the crash mitigation system and tells me to visit the dealer. Cruise control just stop working while driving. When I turn the car off and back on it resets, and then 10-20 miles goes by and the error pops up again. Incredibly unreliable and unsafe when I’m on the freeway going 70. This has been a constant problem.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
In September of 2023, while driving I attempted to use the windshield wipers, and they would not function. We live in a rainy part of the country, so having non working wipers is a major safety issue. Research for possible causes pointed to the body control module which had been recalled on Mazda 3s in recent years. I took the car to the dealership, and they traced the problem to an internal failu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
Suddenly warning light "Check Engine" came on along with Eye Sight malfunction warning. "i RAB off" "Check Engine" Automatic Emergency Braking not working. Yes, available for inspection. Not confirmed yet by dealer. It is the weekend. There were no unusual symptoms prior to ADAS malfunction.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
P185/75R14 defected
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
The brake force will jump suddenly and fall back when the brake pedal is even maintained at a constant level while the vehicle is being braked to a stop or decelerating. This malfunctioning will lead to imprecise control of the distance to the front vehicle. Engine Wobbling when it is fully stopped with "D" gear engaged, especially when the transmission temperature comes up after a few hours of ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
This seat is impossible to install safely in most vehicles. I have installed it into 4-5 different vehicles including cars, trucks, and SUVs. In every case but one it was impossible to install tightly enough so that it didn't move at least 3-4 inches freely. The one case where I could install it tightly I could lean the seat back to "suck it down" and then lean the seat forward again. This is not ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The contact owned a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
While driving on a highway overpass, the brake booster system suddenly failed in my 2013 Prius on March 12, 2024. The vehicle displayed Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 1391, which is a known issue with Toyota Prius vehicles. Toyota offered an extended warranty for this repair that expired in August of 2023, admitting that their vehicles contained faulty parts. There have been several complaints a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Rear tailgate will occasionally pop open while driving for no reason. Often times when parked rear tailgate latch will not open it. Takes several attempts to get it open, sometimes have to open another door to get it to work.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
[XXX] tire on driver's rear began to have significant vibration while towing 16,000 lb. fifth-wheel RV. Stopped and visually/tactilely determined unusual wear pattern so went to commercial tire shop in Pahrump, NV. Their inspection determined tread separation rendering the tire unusable so we replaced it with a different brand. This is the second of three tires installed at the same time that ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
On 2/11/23, our 2017 Chevrolet Volt displayed a check engine light and the engine started to overheat, as determined by the driver from the dash coolant temperate display, while driving down the interstate after 1 hour of driving. The car was pulled over to the side of the road and towed home. Upon inspection of the Chevy Volt later, the F03 15 amp mini-fuse(referred to as non-walk home fuse) i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
The Adaptive Cruise Control causes the vehicle to brake when close to another vehicle when in different lanes of traffic on highway/freeway turns. The adaptive cruise does not appear to communicate with the lane departure system and thus doesn't realize other vehicles are in different lanes. This has occurred 3 times in the 2 weeks I have owned the vehicle. The Adaptive Cruise Control does not und... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
GMC is stating that due to a recall my brake booster vacuum pump failed and now they are that is is not covered and I will be out of pocket on the issue after numerous phone called with GM they are still of no help and the vehicle is not safe to drive which is my only means of transportation
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
My car has been stalling while I drive and also it said power steering unavailable. Both happened while I was driving which almost caused an accident. Sometimes it stalls while I’m at the stop light and press on the gas to go. It says to shift to park and turn ignition on. It’s been happening for over a year for the stalling and for the power steering unavailable only 2x.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
It is unknown at this time what is wrong with the vehicle. The problem started two weeks ago. Initially after driving sustained highway speeds, the van will hesitate to brake when driving through town. When approaching a stop it would stutter to a stop and then stutter to drive again when pressing the gas, the delay was about 2-3 seconds. In two weeks time with approximately 200 miles driven, it s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds on cold start-up. The rattle started in 2021 at 90k miles, used to be intermittent but since 2022 it occurs every cold start-up. Two different mechanics have diagnosed the problem as a VTC defect requiring replacement, based on Honda’s TSB bulletin, which diagnoses the rattle as a defective VTC. No warning indicator lights have ever appeared for this issue. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
Had recall updates completed 3-11-24. ..23C41, 24C01, 23E09, 23E07 3-12-24 Maverick dies on the interstate going around 65mph. It just stopped running. I was able to pull over and after waiting several minutes was able to continue driving with the check engine light on. Took it back to the dealer and was told nothing was wrong. It has happened 2 more times dyeing at 65mph. 3-13-24 and 3-19-24
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500.The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not exper... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
I have had a vibration at different points of speed that would stop when you let off the gas or accelerate more. It doesn't do it beyond 60mph. I've had my vehicle in the dealership twice. 1st they told me my rear brakes were siezed to the rotors. I changed brakes, rotors, and shims on all wheels. Still didn't resolve the issue. Went into the dealership a 2nd time. They told me it was the right re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a dealer for maintenance, a mechanic discovered an oil leak coming from the timing belt cover. The contact had the vehicle serviced and the timing belt cover was replaced. The contact then stated that while stopped at a stop light, a blackish then greyish smoke began to emit from the vehicle without warning. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
My 2019 KIA optima with 116,021 odometer on mileage. Stop in the middle of High Volume Traffic , Because of Software Issues , I suspect . All Forward Collision Warning Detection , Also Rear Collision Warning Alerted on dashboard!!! Which Causes my Car to stop in the middle of Traffic Completely shut down. I was able to get my vehicle towed to KIA West Dealership Located in lithia Springs GA . I r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The Tacoma still has only 10,000 original miles. We yearly replace the oil when we have our annual vehicle inspection. The truck has been trouble since the beginning. Early on I noticed when going downhill, the automatic transmission seems to slip when applying the gas. I have taken the truck back to the dealer in Kona to be told that it is not part of the rear end differential recall some years ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I have an oil leak. After getting an oil change I have to add 1-2 quarts of oil before my next oil change. I do have my oil change as recommended. This has happened so far on the last 3 oil changes I’ve done.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
It is believed the steering rack is failing.When turning right the steering will not return to center. This seems to be a common problem when researched. Tires and all other related components are in good condition. We inspected everything at my place of work which is a automotive repair facility. There are no warning lamps or messages.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light had illuminated, and white exhaust smoke was present coming from the exhaust system. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who determined that the spark plugs were corroded. The vehicle was lat... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
Safety Issues: • Battery runs out of charge within one day without any rational reason (i.e., no lights, no alarm, no equipment in use) which put me at risk since the car would stop at any time without any warning. • Then, the Genesis Connected Services will sent alert messages every three (3) minutes for minor events (e.g., washer fluid low, window open, door unlocked…). Those same two p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
Problem is with the engine. Three days it didn't start, then the fourth day start again. Few times it happened. Yesterday, during drive, while stopping on the signal, I felt two times that like engine is about to shutdown.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Unknown. Drove car in front of garage. Car came to a full stop. About to put car into reverse from drive in order to back into the garage, when car suddenly accelerated forward. Turned wheel sharply to the left in order avoid hitting neighbors fences. Vehicle traveled in an arch and collided with a tree next to an fence and stopped.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
Car stops suddenly on highway, going into, "limp mode." All dash warning lights came on. Rich emissions. VTM-4 issue. This is an ongoing issue with CR-Vs, yet manufacturer has issues no solution, clearly opting to work each situation independently. Therefore, manufacturer saves the time and money associated with these repairs.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
Car stops suddenly on highway, going into, "limp mode." All dash warning lights came on. Rich emissions. VTM-4 issue. This is an ongoing issue with CR-Vs, yet manufacturer has issues no solution, clearly opting to work each situation independently. Therefore, manufacturer saves the time and money associated with these repairs.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
I have records of over 900 other consumers including myself that have been asking BMW to fix a potential deadly lighting malfunction that leaves you with no dash lighting or a whiteout. This problem effects all the dash and HVAC controls where you can't see any the dash and safety components. I've reached out to BMW and they refuse to acknowledge the problem and have asked me to stop.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
Central display screen goes blank at random times at start up. May or may not reactivate with a reboot or restart of car. Display screen controls heating / cooling as well as provides access to other features such as reset of the tire-pressure monitoring system. I don't think it is safe to operate without heating or cooling when the weather is extreme. (It also provides the audio controls and s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
I was driving and my truck started drifting and I felt like I was losing control. Could of caused a very serious and dangerous accident - scared me to death, had just bought this Nissan, and love the brand. Had great tires and brakes just completely done. Brought it to my mechanic and he put it up on the hoist. Frame almost completely rusted out and through in many spots. They were surprised ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
Blown head gasket.Car is hesitating/ jerking. Dealership wants 7k to get it fixed.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
The Trailor brake system, engine light, stabilitrak control system and antilock brake system is on due to the wiring of this vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
The Trailor brake system, engine light, stabilitrak control system and antilock brake system is on due to the wiring of this vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
Went to start vehicle in morning after it had been sitting overnight. temperature gauge went all the way to red immediately and alert on dash said do not drive vehicle and turn engine off immediately. had it towed to dealer and they advised coolant was leaking which caused blown head gasket. only fix is to replace engine which will cost more than vehicle is worth
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (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 contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
According to the owner’s manual, “Lane guidance provides corrective steering to assist the driver with keeping the vehicle in the center of the lane.” On delivery of the vehicle, I noticed that in highway conditions the system consistently steered the vehicle to hug the right side of the lane. I had to “fight” to keep the vehicle in the middle of the lane. Also, the Advanced Drive... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
Coolant began leaking into the engine causing engine failure
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Hybrid System, Air Suspension System, Engine, Power Train Car acceleration power cut out while driving 50 mph suddenly while driving down the road. Held up traffic when came to complete stop, vehicle would not restart immediately. Needed to restart vehicle multiple times before it started moving again. Problem has not been able to be reproduced by the dealer. They reset codes and took on a test ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
The heating in the car was not working. Then one morning the car started overheating and the check engine light came on. Taken to dealer to find the coolant was low and that it was leaking into cylinders 2 and 3 and now the engine needed to be replaced. This is an $8000 plus repair on a car I just bought for $20000 with under 75000 miles.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
The front windshield is very fragile. I am now replacing it again after having replaced it just a year ago from the same issue. Crack develops and travels across the entire window.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint