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: Feb 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the coils and spark plugs were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed; the diagnostic test ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
Exhaust cracks out creating a hole and cause’s problems with the catalytic converter. This is exactly the same problem as on the 2019 and up traverse that they have issued repairs on
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
LP brackets are cracked at the welding
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
Engine seized while going 55-60mph with warning lights only 15 seconds before my vehicle completely stopped on the highway [XXX] ) The engine was replaced by Hyundai along with the manifold and catalytic converter. Vehicle lost all control and power and started excessively knocking while I tried to get to the shoulder but only made it to the right lane. The safety of others and myself were out... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
My car seat broke as I was removing the car seat from the base. The plastic piece holding the car seat that needed released to be removed, broke off inside and fell out! I cannot use this car seat anymore. It cannot be held to the base. This is a huge safety problem, and the car seats may need recalled! There has been no damage or problems otherwise.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, rainwater was entering the interior of the veh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
Have had the power train and transmission worked on since I have owned this car. Now again the transmission is messing up. This car has less than 100,000 miles there is no reason for this many issues with the power train.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
WAS PARKED IN BANK PARKING LOT. STARTED ENGINE, PLACED CAR IN REVERSE AND CAR ACCELERATED AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. (LIKE I WAS IN A DRAG RACE!!) APPLIED BRAKES, WHICH DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. DID NOT STOP UNTIL I RAN INTO A PARKED CAR. WHOLE INCIDENT TOOK JUST SECONDS. CAR HAD BEEN IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE AT THE DEALERS ON [XXX]. NOW HAS 16,597 MILES ON VEHICLE. CAR TO BE SERVICE... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
The passenger side front and rear floor are getting wet when it rain or when is taking to car wash and the fuse box and battery compartment under the passenger seat is full of water electrical component can fail car was taken for repair in January 2024 and will be in the shop [XXX] again with same issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
The passenger side front and rear floor are getting wet when it rain or when is taking to car wash and the fuse box and battery compartment under the passenger seat is full of water electrical component can fail car was taken for repair in January 2024 and will be in the shop [XXX] again with same issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Transmission overheating stopped car
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Transmission overheating stopped car
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
There is an electrical drain causing the battery to drain to the point where it will not start. Alternator was replaced, then the issue persisted. Most recent problem include the power tailgate opening on its own. Rear power tailgate issue. The rear tailgate will attempt to open while driving, but the warning sound chimes and alerts to the problem. If the vehicle is left unlocked the ta... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
ABS brake system error ,brake module failure
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
My vehicle steering/control has frozen a few times in the past 18-24 mos. This happens for me in wet conditions at slow speeds while trying to turn, usually to the right. The car also seems to slow on its own and pull to the side at these times. This has also happened while reversing out of a parking spot. I do not recall seeing any lights engage but I am more focused on steering the car safely ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
Same issue with my Santa Fe Sport with the engine burning oil. It left me stranded on a back road up hill when it just slowly stopped accelerating and shut off. I had it towed to Hyundai dealership who wanted me to purchase a brand new engine. After talking to a friend who is a mechanic he told me about the lawsuit going on. I confronted Hyundai with this new information I had gotten. I was able t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The fuel gauge suddenly malfunctioned giving a false reading of the amount of fuel remaining in the tank. A technician said that the problem seems to be with the sending unit in the tank. I use top tier gas and the car has only about 29,800 miles. The fuel gauge continues to malfunction and could be a generic design flaw. Safety could be put at risk if the vehicle ran out of fuel while driving... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
When I came to a stop at a red light, my auto engine idle engaged. When I tried to go by pressing on the gas, the engine would not turn on. The lights flickered and I had to wait a couple minutes to restart the car. This is not the first time it happened but it happened most recently on March 8, 2024. I have called Honda in two locations multiple times and they say they have no parts. When I told ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
Won't start. Multiple repairs and it still happens. Online forums say it's common on 2009-2017 year models
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Right Rear Door (Right rear passenger) will not open. all other three doors open and close. Right rear door will not unlock to open. This is a safety concern.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that the power switch used to adjust the front driver seat had failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the power switch had been replaced a total of three times within a two-month time frame. Recently, the power switch had failed for a fourth time and as the contact went to replace the fuse, the fuse box was so hot that it burned t... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
At speeds above 40mph, the steering feels "sticky" or "notchy" when making small corrections to stay in the center of the lane. My local dealer confirmed the problem and ordered replacement parts. That was two months ago.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
AC Compressor for the car battery system failed. There was a check engine light that was on steady, but not flashing. The electric range in the car reduced by 20 to 30% as a result of this fault. It was brought into the BMW dealership for inspection and they determined that was a short in the AC compressor and that the whole AC compressor system would need to be replaced; compressor, lines and r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
The dealership is refusing to fix the issue citing that the parts will not be available until fall of 2024. My vehicle is unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and shuddered, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights were inoperable, and the trunk failed to open. Additionally, all the doors failed to manually lock, and while utilizing the key fob, the door locks were inoperable. The door-ajar message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
When my windshield wipers and headlights have been on for an extended period of time, they tend to cut out. My lights will flicker one time and my windshield wipers freeze for a brief second. Also my vehicle has around 36,000mi and recently a “monitor brake pads” has popped up. I have looked at my brakes and they have plenty of life left. I am not sure what to do. My truck should not be “gli... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The oil cooler is plastic why when it holds oil and when it heats up that makes plastic expand then cools and makes it decompress. This is done over and over again, of coarse this will cause a major repair job. That the owner should not have to expense out of pocket because we did not design the car. Also this defect is not aware until you years into owning the vehicle. This is crazy and we ne... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
On [XXX] I was driving on [XXX] [XXX] from Rockville, Maryland when my vehicle (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited) started to lose power and control and all dash lights started to show. I was able to move the vehicle to the highway shoulder before all power and control failed. Had I been moving at a higher speed or in heavier traffic, or been slower to react this could have led to a catastrophic incid... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
All MB GLA and CLA 2015 cars have a common issue "CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE" which should be replaced a few times for the cars. Each service will cost at least $2000.00. Please ask MB to recall their cars and fix this issue.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while parked in a parking space with the vehicle in drive and the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle started to roll. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
I am writing to express my serious concern regarding a safety issue with my Hyundai vehicle, and the apparent lack of resolution from Hyundai despite repeated attempts to seek assistance. Last year, I received a notification from Hyundai about a critical safety issue concerning the EMERGENCY FIRE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ("ABS") MODULES, which could potentially leak brake fluid internally and lead t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
Car failed to accelerate due to faulty fuel pump, fuel tank, etc. Car stopped and died several times in the middle of heavy traffic. Mercedes Benz of West Houston, Sewell Dealership, has my car that was towed to them late afternoon on 3/5/2024. I have owned a Mercedes for over 40 years and never had this occur or be scared due to the car’s lack of performance.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The steering flex coupler is worn down, making a loud clicking noise when the steering wheel is moved. The wheel shakes a lot when pressing the brake and the steering wheel begins to shake.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
unsafe operation - erratic braking, roll back while waiting for light or traffic, non-functioning options, inconsistent key functionality, inability to update software. Total unresponsive company personnel to send technician to car's location for a repair. Stuck in driveway for 3 months blocking access to garage and potential fire hazard as it was connected to Fisker charger but would not releas... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
unsafe operation - erratic braking, roll back while waiting for light or traffic, non-functioning options, inconsistent key functionality, inability to update software. Total unresponsive company personnel to send technician to car's location for a repair. Stuck in driveway for 3 months blocking access to garage and potential fire hazard as it was connected to Fisker charger but would not releas... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Hello, I bought my car used from a dealership called Cody's Classic Cars in wisconsin. I bought it at 26,000 miles. I saw on the carfax report that there was a recall concerning the headgasket that was said to be repaired back in 2014. I have had the car since 2021 and have driven very little, currently I am less than 53,000 miles. There seems to be a coolant leak we cannot find. We replaced the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
Interior of tailgate fills with rainwater when tailgate is down. Electrical components inside the tailgate are affected by the water/moisture including two rear view cameras, components associated of the power tailgate, and the electronic tailgate latch/lock. The rear-view camera has failed. Cameral failure is also affecting the proximity radar system which is working intermittently. The equipment... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2020
Sunroof exploded! My wife was driving her Acura RDX on [XXX] in Sunroof exploded! My wife was driving her Acura RDX on [XXX] in Tucson Heading East to Vail Arizona, when she heard a loud pop--I heard it to as I was on the phone with her. My wife noticed a gush of air and cars behind her swerving dangerously as the sunroof glass exploded out spraying glass all over cars following behind her. There ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
Driving 40 mph all dash electronics went off as going to turn into parking lot medium traffic steering very very hard to turn, made into lot pulled immediately into first open space engine stalled. Put into park attempted to restart, click-click-click like dead battery opened hood alternator belt ok. Walked into nearby restaurant for lunch ( could not close windows) came out (45minutes) car starte... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
While driving I often get an oil warning light and have had my engine system entirely and randomly shut down while driving. I have the oil changed regularly and serviced regularly and still have this problem. The entire system shuts down while driving and I’m left unable to move. It’s incredibly dangerous!
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after the vehicle came to a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lurched forward but hesitated to accelerate immediately. An unknown warning light illuminated, and the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC Code: P073F (Unable... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after the vehicle came to a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lurched forward but hesitated to accelerate immediately. An unknown warning light illuminated, and the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC Code: P073F (Unable... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to coast the vehicle back to the residence. The contact called several dealers and independent mechanics who were unable to service the vehicle or... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Rear camera and vehicle proximity sensors are not working Due A Flaw with water moisture entering the rear cabin where modules are located. This us a common problem with this vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Transfer Case is jerky and hesitant when starting from a stop. Causes the driver to pause when they should be accelerating.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The breaks making loud noise I took in the Livermore Toyota located at 6200 Northfront Rd. Livermore CA 94551 they service two times the third time I told them change the break pad and service rotor. the next day the noise started again. I took it to wheels work they told me some thing is wrong with break we cannot do anything. I took it to Midas break service they said same thing I have to repor... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED IN LAYERS AND IS SPALLING OFF.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The 565 and 566 required to be submitted by manufacture prior to sale in US lists the vehicle manufacturer in korea, describes vehicle as a truck and weight recorded at over 33000 lbs. The vehicle has had no safety Inspections and a rather loose self certification process allows the oversight and quality assurance that the vehicle did meet fmvss and all FMVSS requirements. Simply taking a manufac... Read more
Crash
Fire
2 injured