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 8, 2023
Rough startup and idle, white smoke out of tailpipe. Local shop ran Ford's TSB 22-2229 to find that coolant had leaked into cylinder #1 and that the long block needs to be replaced per Ford. I was quoted $9,600 for the repair. Upon further research, this is an engine design defect in the Ford 2.0L ecoboost 2017-2019 where the open deck block design creates thinner gasket areas prone to fail and le... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
The car starts shaking and the stirring wheel at 40 mph or more. 10 /1/23.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
The car starts shaking and the stirring wheel at 40 mph or more. 10 /1/23.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
First: A steering assist fault "service vehicle" started to appear on my dashboard of my 2013 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0 L . Steering is very hard and will not turn when in park and ready to drive, i can change gears, but steering is locked. I turn the ignition (push button) off, then it unlocks. I thought it was because I was putting in gear too quick after starting, but it does it even when I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
I parked the car and left it running. I exited the car and left the front door standing open. I unbuckled my children and helped my four year old out of the car. I went back to the driver's door, leaned in with my right knee on the seat, and took out the keys. My left leg was still on the ground outside the vehicle. After a few moments the car started rolling. I was dragged backwards down the driv... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
While driving vehicle, car shifted to neutral then park then neutral, while in drive moving down road. Numerous warning came on including "service shifter", check engine, front end collision sensor, abs brake sensor, along with a message to put car in park before shifting . The day before a warning of service shifter came on and the car was unable for a few minutes to shift out of park. Then ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
I started the truck. I heard a loud pop over the sound system. This was followed by a loud crackling noise over the speakers. The sound continued after the sound system was turned off. The speakers smell like they were burning.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
Unknown
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
I have 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman S and I was driving and I almost got rear ended because my turn signals were not working. There were no signals on the car indicating that the module failed. I took it to get inspected and It turns out that the footwell module failed and this is a known issue for Mini coopers, that has forced Mini to extend the warranty. [XXX] Apparently the footwell module is... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
BATTERY DRAIN ISSUE, 3RD BATTERY IN SINCE PURCHASE
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
Service Trailer Brake System. This has happened in the past 3 Times, in which the local GMC Dealership has made me pay for New Batteries and other Fuel system issues. Dealership stated that this shows up because of a bad battery.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
Trunk latch inoperable does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401. Similar previous recalls 21V619000.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The crosswind assist on my vehicle causes me to momentarily loose control of my Sprinter. When passing a tractor-trailer or when I experience any crosswind, the result is a forceful jerking of the vehicle so severe that I almost crashed into the tractor-trailer. I have researched this and found no way to turn this off or any way to make this less reactive. I have also found online others who ar... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The crosswind assist on my vehicle causes me to momentarily loose control of my Sprinter. When passing a tractor-trailer or when I experience any crosswind, the result is a forceful jerking of the vehicle so severe that I almost crashed into the tractor-trailer. I have researched this and found no way to turn this off or any way to make this less reactive. I have also found online others who ar... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
The open recall on my vehicle regarding the ignition switch and polyfuse presents a serious safety risk to me and others on the road. The potential for engine stalling and electrical system failure creates a dangerous situation that could lead to accidents and injuries. Therefore, addressing this recall promptly and having the necessary repairs or replacements done is crucial to ensuring the safet... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Vehicle is making a humming noise while the car is off. Both the brake light and ABS lights are on. Based on year, make and model, vehicle is one of the cars included in: nhtsa ID-23V-652000, however VIN does not show an active recall. Repairs will have to come out of pocket since there is not a recall by VIN, even though vehicle is having the same symptoms as recall aforementioned.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the stabili-trak, ABS, and a several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated there were also audible alarms being sounded. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the brake pedal failed to respond. The contact stated that she was able to coast the vehicle off the highwa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The messages "Power Steering Assist Fault" and "Service Advance Trac" were displayed. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel operated as needed. The contact drove to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while starti... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Transmission is slipping and vibrates while driving. Delayed acceleration.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
Fuel injectors. This causes electronic safety system to go haywire telling me they have malfuctioned. Evidently this is caused by the fuel injectors going bad. This puts the safety of me and my family at risk. All these failures can cause an accident. Research shows Honda Knows this and has discontinued the fuel injectors because they are faulty leaving owners without any resolution. They have no ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
On Friday, September 15th, 2023 I was driving an on- ramp to enter a highway. I was driving approximately 40mph, as I was merging onto the hi-way I accelerated and the car lost acceleration. There was a loud bust and the car began to sputter. I was not able to drive over 40mph. I exited the hi-way and as I was came to a stop at a red light, the car began to take on gas fumes. The fumes were so str... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into an unintended gear and the vehicle jerked. The contact then stated that the service warning light illuminated and then disabled other undisclosed functions on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and produced code: P0705 due to the tra... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
Findings from Tesla technician: Verified customer concern for active low brake fluid level alerts. Technician performed a brake inspection and found the rear right brake hose is damaged due to incorrect hose routing. Found the hose is rubbing on the wheel arch liner. The brake calipers have been modified/painted. Technician recommends to replaced rear right brake hose and bleed entire brake system... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
We have started noticing a burning smell whenever the vehicle is plugged into a charging station. At first we thought it was due to the charger, but the issue continued after we replaced the charging unit. Further, we also tried charging the unit at another station and experienced the same issue. This can be a potential fire risk and we'd like to get the matter resolved at the earliest. We have no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The steering wheel sticks and causes overcorrection due to excessive force needed to steer vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership and repaired, but the after about 20,000 miles the problem is happening again. It is at its worst in a curve when trying to stay in the proper lane of travel.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
1) I believe there is a problem with my transmission shifting gears. I am willing to have it inspected. 2) There is a sudden and violent shift that happens when shifting between 3rd - 5th gear I believe but it's random, only a couple of times a month. I have had people with me and they thought I hit a deep pothole or hit something with my car like a small animal. 3)The issue has not been reprodu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
sudden failure of power steering,with out any prior warning or symptoms
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The engine burns oil at an alarming rate. It also frequently stalls when driving on the highway, trying to accelerate, or when driving up hill. The gas pedal will shake when accelerating and the car sometimes feels like it’s jerking. I have done an oil consumption test and tried to work with a local dealership that told me there are recalls on all of the other engines in this make and model but ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V046000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The local dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
While driving, my driver seat headrest deployed. There was no collision to activate the headrest to deploy. It did so spontaneously. This could have caused a major accident due to me being startled. I am concerned for my daughter’s safety and mine. There were no recalls for the headrests reported in my vehicle. There was no indication that the headrests in my vehicle would be an issue. I will be... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 22, 2017
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. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated that the windows, headlights, radio, and other safety features were inoperable. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by a rus... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
I brought a brand new BMW IX fully electric vehicle in May, 2023. A couple of weeks ago in early September, the “Emergency Call System Malfunction” warning light came on, and I can also smell a chemical burn from the vehicle. I dropped it off to Eastbay BMW in Pleasanton, California. 4350 Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton, California 94588. They confirmed that the “Control Module” may be over h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Unknown , it has been taken in for diagnostic testing and each time they stated they weren’t able to find anything wrong with the automobile.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Unknown , it has been taken in for diagnostic testing and each time they stated they weren’t able to find anything wrong with the automobile.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
On July 28th, my touch screen (head unit) in my Subaru Outback suddenly delaminated overnight. From that point foward, all systems connected to the head unit have been either unusable or intermittent--often dangerously so. My backup camera and blind spot indicators are randomly unusable; the GPS system turns itself on and off in use (and half the time, screen itself cycles through "ghost touches"... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
On July 28th, my touch screen (head unit) in my Subaru Outback suddenly delaminated overnight. From that point foward, all systems connected to the head unit have been either unusable or intermittent--often dangerously so. My backup camera and blind spot indicators are randomly unusable; the GPS system turns itself on and off in use (and half the time, screen itself cycles through "ghost touches"... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
The drainage system from the roof of the vehicle is faulty and causes water to collect in the space between the carpet in the interior of the vehicle and the floor of the vehicle. Key electrical components are located beneath the front passenger seat of the vehicle. When the water collected, it caused key systems, such as collision warning and other systems to malfunction. When we took the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
The drainage system from the roof of the vehicle is faulty and causes water to collect in the space between the carpet in the interior of the vehicle and the floor of the vehicle. Key electrical components are located beneath the front passenger seat of the vehicle. When the water collected, it caused key systems, such as collision warning and other systems to malfunction. When we took the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Phantom Braking of vehicle when using either TACC or Autopilot on highways. Vehicle will suddenly slow down/apply brakes when traveling at highway speeds. Unsure why vehicle is doing this. Sometimes it looks like the vehicle thinks it see's a person in the highway? There are never any obstructions.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
Phantom Braking of vehicle when using either TACC or Autopilot on highways. Vehicle will suddenly slow down/apply brakes when traveling at highway speeds. Unsure why vehicle is doing this. Sometimes it looks like the vehicle thinks it see's a person in the highway? There are never any obstructions.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
Context: My wife replaced the driver’s side airbag per the 2019 Toyota Corolla recall at a Columbia, MO dealership. We’ve since moved to North Carolina. The airbag light and maintenance light came on, and we took it to the mechanic (Christian Brothers Automotive) close to our new home. They ran a diagnostics report to determine the airbag on the driver’s side needed to be replaced. I ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The sunroof shattered after closing the car door from the pressure or motion of the car door closing. The sunroof glass panel popped up in the center and all the shattered glass was in an upward motion indicating the cause was from the pressure in the cabin. There were no visible chips or debris on the sunroof prior to this occurring. I took the vehicle to the Volkswagen dealership for an inspecti... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Vehicle experienced the recalled HVBJB failure around November 21, 2022 at 13,000 miles. The failed device was replaced. Around July 12, 2023 at 23,000 miles, the replaced HVBJB device failed again and was once again replaced. It seems that the replacement device does not resolve the issue. Both times, the vehicle was traveling on the highway and the vehicle performance was instantly restricte... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Over the past year, the car has had 4 crank position sensors, new pig tails/connectors on the wire harness, a new throttle body, and a new MCM. The Jeep will randomly shut off without warning either at stoplights/traffic or on the highway at speed. While at speed, the car will "restart" itself, but if it stalls while stagnant a manual restart is necessary. When the stalling occurs, warning lights ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
I recently took my vehicle in for a service due to "passenger system restraint" error code. Upon dealer inspection it would cost upwards of 4,000$ to fix this issue. I called my warranty company and they do not warranty any repairs that have to do with restraint systems. This seems to be a widespread issue from what I have read. This can really cause a major issue if the seatbelt for the passenger... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the check engine warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the check engine warning lig... Read more