Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 40,555 complaints for BMW
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
When getting gas..afterwards went to start and it would act like it wasn't getting gas..within hours after the check engine light came on..took to dealer to read trouble code..came up as a p0496..evap purge valve sticking open..also have noticed the built in remote start function is not working and will sound horn briefly instead..also looked up code my self and understand that it is a emissions s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
Loud noise and engine kept running but was unresponsive. Was traveling about 70 mph just coasted off the interstate. Was pulling my pontoon boat back to the lake during rush hour if I hadn’t been at an exit might have turned out different. Had it towed to nearest Nissan dealership and was told right away camshaft was broken and engine would have to be replaced.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Kia issued a recall warning dated September 29, 2023 regarding a fire hazard in our car. The recall stated that remedy was not available. After two months of no remedy from Kia and failure of Kia's Customer Care Center to respond to our requests for help, we went to the Kia dealer in Van Nuys, California to inspect the car to ascertain if it was still safe. The dealer refused to inspect or take an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Car is having a few problems in relations to the BECM
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Car is having a few problems in relations to the BECM
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Cart fails to start nearly every time I try to start it. BECM failure seems to be the issue. Car instructs to shift to park then fails to start until eventually it clicks over and will start in gas mode. Sometimes will randomly flag into low propulsion mode while driving, which majorly affects acceleration speed. Car will no longer charge and must be used in gas mode due to known electrical defect... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
On 10/31 I loss power while on the freeway for the 2nd time since August. The car was assessed and fixed according to the dealership. My car threw a 2nd code which was cleared and not fixed due to not showing issues according to the dealership. I got my car back in mid November. I immediately complained that I still had a rough idle and was told my car was fine by the manager via service rep. On 1... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the front driver's side window was distorted due to the manufacturer's solar-tinted window. The contact was unable to view the driver's side mirror while the window was rolled up. The sticker label on the front driver's side window listed Ford Window Tint Carlite Solar Tint Tempered AS2. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an ind... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
My engine light enabled & my car slowed < 30 mph while driving on a frwy on 2/4/23. I exited & turned the engine off. It was late at night in a rural area, so I waited a bit & turned the car back on. Engine light was no longer on, so I continued to my destination (GA). On 2/5/23, while driving on the frwy, my engine light enabled & my car quickly slowed to < 20 mph. The light stayed on & my car ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Power Steering Assist Fault," message was displayed and the contact became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
The engine failed due to antifreeze leaking into the #2 cylinder. I use the vehicle daily and drive long distances on the highway several times per year. From my understanding an engine fire could be a result of this issue. I have the car at a garage now to replace the engine at a cost $8700.00. The issue first appeared approx. 11-7 when the temperature gauge immediately shot to hot after r... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
was driving down the road with no warning car popped and made loud noise.. the left front of the car dropped down and steering was un responsive and came to a stop made a clunking sound when trying to move it out of road but was unsuccessful...
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The Thermo Control Valve failed at 33,945 miles. Because of this, the heater, Eye Sight, Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Collision Brake did not work. The engine was then only running at "Sport" mode. It did not regulate the heat to the oil and could've caused sludge. The problem was confirmed by a Subaru Dealer Service Shop. I only noticed this problem when the blue thermometer light came on ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered before inadvertently losing motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was no heat being distributed throughout the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that coolant was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine nee... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
ABS and traction control warning lights intermittently come on. Has been repaired twice by local dealership by replacing the two computer modules/pumps responsible for ABS system. Cruise control disengages when this happens. When this happens at highway speeds while pulling a heavy trailer in traffic it's a very dangerous situation and needs to be corrected by manufacturer.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 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 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: Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the message "Power Steering Fault" was displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
Car suddenly stops while driving. Usually when stop at a red light, stop sign, or yield sign where I have to accelerate. Transmission turns to P itself and hear a grinding noise.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
Every time i was traveling in sport mode, shifting was delayed & was very rough transition to next gear. Car was not accelerating or decelerating properly. Burning smell came from the engine. Car’s electrical momentarily went haywire. Wrench light came on. This happened within 18 hours of purchasing this NEW car. And several times over the subsequent week. Indicator light went on intermittently ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I own the car since brand new from dealership and never have incident. Couple weeks ago, started having issues with digital main instruments panel. Suddenly when I turn on the car in the morning the dash simply does not work. I got alert saying one the safety system is malfunctioning but not say what it was specifically. After 5 min the engine is on the main dash back to work normally, and all the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 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 contact stated that there was a burning odor outside of the vehicle from underneath the hood. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
On cold days, general below 30 degrees, the drivers door will not latch. After the temperature warms, the door will latch. This renders the truck useless for 4 months of the year where we live. I have seen recalls on other Ford F150 for the door latch. But there are no active recalls for my truck. This is a major safety issue. Especially if the truck door comes unlatched while driving.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Rear window exploded after starting the truck. Glass shards and chunks flew into the truck . This is the 3rd F150 truck that I've owned that has had this happen.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
1. Whenever I refill my tank the car will start knocking. It will be only for 1 or 2 sudden jerks. I have tried every grade and nearly all the brands of fuel but its still the same. Even I escalated the same issue when I had my car service done. But to no avail. It happens when I refuel the tank. Otherwise, no issue to my surprise. I Need to know if it’s a known issue? If yes then why no one rea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
In May, the engine completely failed as I was driving on the freeway, without cause. It had to be towed to the dealership where luckily the engine was replaced under warranty. Less than 6 months later, the HEV and CEL warning lights came on as I was commuting to work via highway. The car was very low powered, hard to accelerate, and immediately decelerated whenever I started to let off the gas ped... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
In May, the engine completely failed as I was driving on the freeway, without cause. It had to be towed to the dealership where luckily the engine was replaced under warranty. Less than 6 months later, the HEV and CEL warning lights came on as I was commuting to work via highway. The car was very low powered, hard to accelerate, and immediately decelerated whenever I started to let off the gas ped... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that he had parked the vehicle and upon walking towards the vehicle, he noticed that the front end of the vehicle had caught on fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report and a police report were filed. There was no injury sustained.... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
So many issues with the Buick. Made of glass. First I had no coolant line and I took it to be inspected before at, Baumen Ford and they said everything was fine with it. Turns out needed new coolant line, head gasket, timing cover, and switch. 5 new tires, rebuilt transmission, epc solenoid, transmission lines, rear pivot, left front wheel barring, formed band, and many many more. Currently with e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
While driving at city speed limit the headlights started flicking on-off very difficult to see in the dark. I pulled over to the side of the road for safety but now realized the turn signals not working and also the hazard lights are not working either. I was in a very dangerous situation sitting on the side of the road without any warning light on. Not only for mine safety but also dangerous ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V263000 (Fuel System, Diesel) 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 had not experienced a failure. Parts distr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
I am told my transmission needs to be replaced and I need timing chain repair kit. I had transmission service in June 2023 and our car started with a funny noise. Had oil changed and tune up and still same sound Car started to jerk really hard on accelaration after 25mpg then would catch itself up and then loose power. I took to back to place that did my transmission service and they deemed 2... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between gears, and there was a significant delay while shifting into third gear. Additionally, the contact stated that when turning the steering wheel while driving, the vehicle failed to respond immediately and responded with a significant delay. There was no warning light... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
Historically, the vehicle has been in shop for repairs of the BECM. BECM was replaced on 12/23/22 with 44,217 miles on the car. On 11/25/23 while driving on city streets the car completely shut down and warning light came on telling us to immediatel pull over and stop the car. During this incident we detected an odor of something burning. The car was towed home and will be towed to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
Received error code P2682, a faulty Thermo Control Valve. This happened on 11/17/2023. Car potentially could have quit running in traffic. Subaru has identified the issue with TSB 09-80-21R. They have changed the design of the valve due to the many failures. My car has 74,000 miles. My brother in law has the same vehicle with 57,000, and his car is in the shop today for the same issue. The servi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Faulty starter on vehicle, occasionally works but other times turning the key brings on the lights but the engine doesn't start.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to move out of park. The vehicle had been towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission range control module had failed. The gear shifter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact was informed that the transmission range control module needed to be replaced but was not yet replace... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed gas cap. The contact was informed that the gas cap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred after a month. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the gas cap was repla... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the highway and stopped the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Im having a message on my bmw states “ secure vehicle against rolling”
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Im having a message on my bmw states “ secure vehicle against rolling”
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
Vehicle was parked in garage and caught on fire. Garage, vehicle, and all contents were a complete loss. Total loss of garage and property excluding the vehicle is around $75,000.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
Last evening the interior vehicle power (headlights, dash lights, AC/heat fan) intermittently flashed off then back on while driving...when this happened as I arrived home, I completely lost power steering (electronic power steering warning light came on) and could barely turn the steering wheel. Thankfully I was moving at relatively slow speed when I lost power steering, but this could certainly... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speed, the vehicle sputtered and then became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The diagnostic test was still pending. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was appro... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
THE ROGUE 2019 SV has only 26785 miles the steering is making a winy grinding sound when you turn the steering wheel no matter what direction or rotation the sound is there. It seems a bit stiff especially in morning and worse as it's gotten colder out here in N.Y overall seems to turn ok, and I even had to put all 4 new tires at such low mileage. But concerned something more is wrong with it and ... Read more
BMW
C600 SPORT MAXI-SCOOTER
(2016) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 19, 2023
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
My backup camera failed, the frame froze. As I was backing into a parking spot I hit a wall when the screen in the vehicle showed that I was still 5 or 6 feet away. As I reversed direction and pulled away a few feet to check the damage I noticed that the screen had not changed; it still showed that I was 5 or 6 feet away. When I restarted that vehicle the camera returned to normal functioning.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
This started in May 2023, warning lights "Service Electronic Braking System", "Service Anti-Lock Brakes". It is an intermittent issue, cannot duplicate. Appears at random, with Cruise control on,, if the issue message appears the cruise control disables. This can go on for several minutes, then all of a sudden stop. Could resume minutes later. Again Random. Don't rely on your anti-lock brake... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Driving down the road (luckily 4 lanes with a turning lane in middle)...the car shuts off & I'm rolling. I roll to the middle lane, apply brakes. And I put in park & restart. This has happened NUMEROUS TIMES. It happens when I take off or sharp turn. It shouldn't do this.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
Another owner of a 2020 Forest River Georgetown GT5 model 34H5 just posted a pic of a crack at the 90-degree bend in the rear propane tank mounting bracket. This is an ASME tank that can contain 19.5 actual gallons of propane. Previous ASME propane tank mounting bracket cracks reported by owners of Georgetowns were all on the front propane tank mounting bracket and were broken welds that allowed o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Out of nowhere my front driver side door started making this awful, loud clanking sound whenever I would open or close it. Took it to the mechanic I usually go to and they said that the "door check broke off the door because the spot weld failed" and that I would have to call a Body Shop. Called the dealership and they said that it is a well known and well documented issue with the year, make and ... Read more