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: Oct 2, 2023
I responded to a recall for my 2014 Honda Ridgeline on October 19, 2023. I have gone through recalls before and did not think much of it until the dealership informed me that my vehicle was "CONDEMNED". I have been calling Honda America ever since and they are not responsive. I was given a case manager as of October 23rd but this case manager cannot get me a loaner vehicle or any other informati... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Check engine light came on and vehicle began to surge. Acceleration was unpredictable. It wouldn't accelerate properly and then would surge forward. I took it to a repair shop and after a accumulating a large diagnostic bill, they said that the lobes on camshaft wore down and are causing misfires. They said it was a well known manufacturing defect and a common issue with this engine.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The warning light flashed on and off intermittently. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 199,181.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was chugging. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the following day, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not rep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The spot welds on the front drivers door of my 2021 Ford Escape SEL gave way. The internal three welds holding the drivers door check arm failed. The door is now making a creaking and grinding noise when the door is opened and closed. The drivers door check arm is rapidly nearing total failure. Two Ford dealerships have verified the above. Repair cost to replace the entire drivers door is... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
There’s a recall on my vehicle which Toyota has not remedied in a timely manner which may cause a potential fire. It is stated that the expected remedy to this recall would be replacing the dc-dc converter. I worry every day driving and charging this car about the potential fire risk and I’m having anxiety over this. This recall can put myself and others at risk. We are already in the fourth q... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Tail lights (rear running lights) don’t work, when break light and turn lights work
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
I was driving over a bridge at 65 mph on a foggy morning a couple weeks ago and my windshield fogged over. I turned on the defroster and it only blew cold air. I could not see and I couldn't clear it. I had to slow down and find a safe spot to pull over. I had to try to wipe down the windshield and then start driving. It did it again and i had to pull over again and wipe and wait for it to clear ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
Was backing out of parking spot this morning and got error message saying “coolant temp high” and vehicle locked up. i shut off and turned back on and it was fine. checked everything out that needed to be. read online that this has happened to other people with the same vehicle. this is a safety risk and i do not feel safe driving on a highway. or in the snow this winter.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
Spot welds on front passenger door has come undone. The driver door was repaired for the same problem at 32,000 miles. Car is now 61,000
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 BMW i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
While driving , power steering became stiff and unable to move steering wheel and went into a lock position . I have to turn off engine completely to be safe .
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
Code P0128. While driving the vehicle gives a "steering assist reduced drive with care" the engine coolant temperature gage goes to 0 and the cooling fan runs until you turn off the car, and the a/c stops working. After replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor and harness the vehicle still does it. There are hundreds of reports of this happening online in forums. This is a safety issue when... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) started to Jerk on Friday October 27, 2023. Vehicle 2018 Nissan Rogue SV only has 55,871 miles. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, vehicle started jerking and I had to stop the vehicle on a main road and pull over to the side. Has th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Windshield cracked with rock impact April 2023. Crack spread immediately across the entire windshield. Replacement was done May 30, 2023. 3 weeks after replacement, the new windshield cracked with no evidence of impact.Car was parked and not moving at the time crack occured. Crack spread immediately accross the entire windshield. Replacement of 2nd windshield was done June 3, 2023.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
ABS module is defective after 7 years, there have been many reports and very expensive to fix, why hasn’t Honda made this a recall?
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
This vehicle has a severe water leak after rain event from body. Leaks into electrical, floor boards, roof. Dealership not able to locate water leak location. Have been working on it going on a month. We recently purchased the vehicle used.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Rear view camera is upside down. Flipped by it self. Can't find any fix on it
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Discovery. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V393000 (Electrical System, Latches/Locks/Linkages) 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... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Adas camera bracket on windshield deformed due to heat. The bracket will no longer hold the camera and the deformation was so severe it broke the mounting tab that holds the adas camera.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Motor burns excessive oil; took vehicle to Kia dealership in October 2023. I told to get a full.synthetic oil change, and to return in 1000 miles to check the oil consumption. After an oil consumption test, if the vehicle is burning excessive oil, I told that my vehicle to my dealership to file a claim under the manufacturer's warranty to replace my motor/ engine needs to have a top engine clean... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Motor burns excessive oil; took vehicle to Kia dealership in October 2023. I told to get a full.synthetic oil change, and to return in 1000 miles to check the oil consumption. After an oil consumption test, if the vehicle is burning excessive oil, I told that my vehicle to my dealership to file a claim under the manufacturer's warranty to replace my motor/ engine needs to have a top engine clean... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 45 mph, the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle began to shake, lost power, and failed to accelerate. The driver pulled over and noticed smoke, and the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was on the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown if a police report was ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The car has a problem where the clutch prematurely wears out and the cars acceleration cuts out. this happens at different RPM ranges and in all gears. it is very unpredictable. Several others have had to repair their drivetrains and honda claims its due to a production issue with the clutch. they have a dealer service bulletin for this issue however Honda needs to recall the part since this probl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The Air Bag, Parking Brake, Traction Control/StabiliTrak/Electonic Stability Control lights all came on while operating my vehicle. The lights did not go off, so I reported to the dealership. They determined it was an internal defect in the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module. This was not covered under warranty and appears to be a defect in the module. I believe this to be a seriou... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
airbag system (SRS) problem
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
This has happened twice while driving down the road, 2021 Nissan Sentra AEB system locked up the brakes with nothing in front of vehicle to cause the system to be activated.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the contact was informed that the engine oil level was low and there were metal shavings in the engine oil. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a second oil change was performed. The de... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that has a problem with its ABS Module. It is overheating and causes my car to stop its brake and motor functions while driving. I contacted the dealership to get a rental or replacement in the meantime and they told me there is nothing they can do and to drive with caution. I called the manufacturer to get a rental for the meantime and they told me the same thi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that has a problem with its ABS Module. It is overheating and causes my car to stop its brake and motor functions while driving. I contacted the dealership to get a rental or replacement in the meantime and they told me there is nothing they can do and to drive with caution. I called the manufacturer to get a rental for the meantime and they told me the same thi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
WARNING LIGHTS AND ALARMS KEEP GOING OFF IN MY CAR! The car was sold to mf like this by Carvana and these problems are not listed in the car fax’s!
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with a full tank of gasoline, he smelled a strong gasoline odor. The message "Low Fuel" was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer the following day. The dealer diagnosed that the fuel line wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
Car became unresponsive to accelerator while trying to pass on the freeway, lost speed and had cars around me going 65+ mph, this is not the first time this had happened, have filed several reports and have not heard about a fix to this, getting nervous using this car and I don't know what recourse I have, dealer unable to duplicate the problem and almost got involved in an accident again, please ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
I was driving down the road and spun out of control because my rack and pinion steering inner and outer tie rod snapped in half, because of rust from salt water and corrosion on the metal, resulting in my loss of control and front passenger wheel turned 90 degrees inward and nearly ripped the front tire off and under the car, brought the car home and inspected it tthoroughly, and saw the immediat... Read more
BMW
X5
(2020) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Oct 23, 2023
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 5 MPH through a school parking lot, the brake pedal as depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that a school student was almost struck. The contact's wife swerved to avoid striking the student. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Passenger restraint system malfunction alert when car is turned on. Air bag and passenger seatbelt warning lights are on. Passenger seat belt light will never turn off even with no passengers in the car. Air bags for passenger are off when there is a passenger in the car causing a safety concern. BMW wants $1000 to diagnose what the issue is for the airbag light only but not to fix it or check the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Rear windshield shattered shortly after parking car in apartment complex lot. I had just exited the vehicle when I heard a loud smashing sound. Nothing had any impact with the windshield. I was running the rear defrosting previously while driving on the freeway about 10 mins prior to parking.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
The speedometer doesn't work in the cold which has happened more than once. This data on the cluster gives data for fuel (miles) amount of fuel in the tank, actual miles driven, percentage of oil… It needs to be addressed as a recall since too many others with the same make and model have this issue…
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
Two days after purchasing the light warning alert system started coming on. CHECK SYSTEMS HEADLIGHTS WARNING comes on EVERY MONTH THEN THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OUT first the left them the right…Ford can’t fix the problem because they don’t know what and why this keeps happening. The lights have been replaced 4-5 times and reprogrammed. I have took it Ford dealership 7 times, and the last t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
We have a 2023 CRV with 5400 miles. I started noticing the problem at about 3500. Originally I only noticed it while traveling at highway speed on a relatively straight section of road. Now I feel it almost all of the time. It's like a little resistance hurdle you have to jump over to get the steering wheel to turn. Once over the hurdle, it steers normally. It can even happen at slower speeds in t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The car makes loud noise when the speed was about 50-60 MPH on a highway, the RPM went above 50 - 75. It wouldn't accelerate as I pushed the gas pedal. It's not moving as required. It was scary. It's dangerous. Something is wrong with the system, or transmission. Please fix it. Thanks.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
A car merged into my lane, the car braking light went on and a beeping noise sounded. After the car in front of us turned and nothing was in front of us, our Honda Broke abruptly and if it wasn’t for the seatbelt I think I would’ve hit the windshield. My daughter is afraid to get In the car because of this incident.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
While sitting at a stop sign the vehicle began to stall. I was able to drive 50 feet and it died in the road. The Tahoe is not getting fuel to start. Starter continues to try and engage upon start but the vehicle never engage. The fuel pump drive module seems to be an issue. I can't get the car out of park to have it towed to the Chevrolet dealership. This is consistent with other Tahoe recall veh... Read more
BMW
K 1600 GTL
(2022) — SUSPENSION:FRONT
Oct 21, 2023
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
On 8/17/2023 My daughter was on the highway and said she was having a problem after hitting a pothole. I told her to return home. Subframe Broke after hitting a second minor pothole on a side road close to my home. Passenger side tire (fell off?) was turned 90 degrees under the wheel well while the driver side tire was still pointing straight forward. About a 60 foot skid mark dragging the pa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
Car failed to engage transmission at low to moderate speeds particularly when accelerating. RPMs revved with no acceleration and then engaged suddenly causing the car to lurch forward and jerked while accelerating. The check engine light appeared. The car was brought to an independent service station. Repairs were made to the computer system and motors but the problem is still not resolved. Me... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
Recall for cam phaser. Our truck meets all the criteria and it needs fixed. We did not receive Lester in 2021. Called ford twice and talked to manager. They said to get ahold of you.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
The engine has failed in my 2018 Hyundai Tuscon. I was driving the car daily since purchasing in July of 2023. Everything was fine until the first week of October, I had just picked up my son and was getting on the interstate when my check engine light came on and my oil light would flash on and off occasionally not persistently. I had the car checked immediately and there was no oil in the car... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
-Oil pump failed causing complete engine and turbo failure. It can be inspected. - I was driving at interstate speed in traffic on the interstate and the engine lost power. - Independent service center looked at it and suspected oil pump as issue and sent it to ford dealer and they confirmed oil pump failed and caused total engine and turbo failure. - Ford Dealer has inspected - after the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear and the vehicle started to shudder. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop where it was diagnosed that the clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was also diag... Read more