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: Sep 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted to first gear. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift out of first gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved a fault code for a failure with the output speed sensor... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
On 9/23/23 at approximately 4:10pm, my Rivian R1T suffered a catastrophic failure of the left rear brake. After exiting the freeway, I was slowing for a traffic signal primarily using the regenerative brake feature. I applied light pressure to the brake pedal which initiated a left rear brake failure. I attempted to move the truck out of the traffic lane. The left rear wheel was locked and wou... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
While driving on the highway between Nenana and Fairbanks, AK, on August 9, 2023, I attempted to pass a slow moving RV towing a trailer. While in the passing lane, I accelerated and my vehicle suddenly loss power. I was forced to swerve out of the passing lane to avoid a collision with with oncoming traffic and the vehicle being passed. After that event, the vehicle would not exceed 3000rpms or 35... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds in a parking area, the ABS warning light illuminated. Upon returning and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle had electrical power but failed to start. The check hybrid system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
Falcon doors failure to open on numerous occasions since Dec. 2020. This is a very frequent issue and I've had it into Tesla 6 to 7 times, they say can't replicate issue, same this past week and 30 min after I got it back same issue. Heat and Sun cause the doors to not open and it's getting worse. Aug 28, 2023 at 10:39 am and on thru Aug 30, 2023 on road trip to and from Phoenix, AZ in Indio CA I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The car was sitting in the driveway and caught fire around 11:29am. The car had not been driven or moved from the driveway for at least 2 days, and is up to date on all maintenance. The fire inspectors hypothesize the fire began from the battery and spread. After Googling, I have learned that Toyota Rav 4s from 2013 to 2018 had a large recall; 1.8 million vehicles taken because of the battery catc... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
My 2017 Honda Accord V6 touring has been experiencing hesitation for the last several years. I know there’s a recall, but why is my car not being recalled I’m having the exact same problems that I described call hesitates stalls sometimes hard to start.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Rattling noise we’ll driving and when going over 30 mph can lose control
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Antilock brake and traction control stop working randomly. Alarms pop up on Dash board. Seems to happen more when it is humid out. With these safety devices not working the truck is not safe to drive and since the problem is random dealer can not find the cause.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Antilock brake and traction control stop working randomly. Alarms pop up on Dash board. Seems to happen more when it is humid out. With these safety devices not working the truck is not safe to drive and since the problem is random dealer can not find the cause.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
1. My 2023 Ford F-150 Powerboost Hybrid is receiving the Stop Safely Now message. The vehicle has failed to start on a few occasions. 2. The vehicle not starting left me in a position where the vehicle was inoperable. This is a safety concern because is would put me or my family in potential danger from the elements, inability to receive health care and potential danger from individuals of I’ll ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass The contact stated that while the vehicle was idle the engine was running, and the vehicle turned off independently. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The contact stated that occasionally, several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering module ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
I was driving and my back windshield exploded.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while idling. The contact had taken the vehicle to several independent mechanics and various sensors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then tak... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
On Wednesday,Sept20 2023 I was traveling eastbound in the passing Lane on interstate 90 in New York when my Chevy tahoes motor began shaking violently, chugging, and losing power. The check engine light illuminated. The engine stalled as I frantically tried to move to the berm. There is a lot of large semi traffic on that road and I had a difficult time maneuvering safely without power to get onto... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
On Wednesday,Sept20 2023 I was traveling eastbound in the passing Lane on interstate 90 in New York when my Chevy tahoes motor began shaking violently, chugging, and losing power. The check engine light illuminated. The engine stalled as I frantically tried to move to the berm. There is a lot of large semi traffic on that road and I had a difficult time maneuvering safely without power to get onto... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Good Morning, I was driving down the road at around 60 mph in my car. Abruptly my car had simultaneous warning lights about 12 of them. More importantly, I lost my power steering and brake by wire putting all of our lives at risk. The speedometer , air bags, restraint systems all failed and went out. The car wouldn't turn off on the side of the road and after about 5 minutes I was able to get it o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The fuel pump malfunctioned while driving 70 mph on the interstate. When the car shuts off, all the dashboard lights come on. Then the car does not allow you to accelerate. My husband and i almost lost our lives. Thankfully there was a shoulder on the left lane coming in from Louisiana to Texas. The car shut off 10+ times within an hour time span on the way home. My family’s safety was constantl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Back Over Prevention ( backup camera), started acting up in Feb 2023, shows black screen, flips image, does not come on, (radio is displayed) when it does come on its granny and has black vertical lines, warning beeps stop working when this happens or don't sound off untill your on top of the person or object behing you. Contacted 2 Ford dealerships and they tell me other Escapes are on recall... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Just got here to savemart my car made noises to again shift to park message to scary see if I make it home something needs to be done gm needs to fix this car or close gm down id love to see gm shut down like this car shuts down this is my only car please help me by then fixing my car or replace it or repurchase it is hate to be injured or killed in this car 😭
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
ABS, and traction control systems fail intermittently. Lights come on and flash and ABS and cruise control no longer work. Happens at various speeds and times. Sometimes can be addressed by pulling over turning off the vehicle and restarting. Dealer states that ABS module and pump need to be replaced but have no available parts. I was advised that the estimated cost is ~ $1800 and the problem may ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park, the key was removed and the contact stepped away from the vehicle, when the vehicle inadvertently started to roll away. As a result, the vehicle rolled into the neighbor’s driveway and grazed another vehicle then stopped. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was on the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park, the key was removed and the contact stepped away from the vehicle, when the vehicle inadvertently started to roll away. As a result, the vehicle rolled into the neighbor’s driveway and grazed another vehicle then stopped. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was on the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His head sustained a huge blow to the interior side of the car in addition to another head injury in the ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard however, the vehicle struggled to reach 40 MPH while driving. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Both the right and left constant velocity axels are making noise. The dealer tells us it is under warranty and will be repaired. However, there are no repair parts available and on national back order. The dealer parts department indicates that there have been problems with the 2019 Highlander cv axels, and all replacement parts have been used. My question is how many highlanders have bad cv axel... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 BMW I4. The contact stated while reversing, the drive train malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact proceeded with his commute however, the steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shifted into park independently. There were several messages displayed on the infotainment screen, and the contact was unable to shift the vehicle back into drive. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
While driving on expressways vehicle will suddenly lose all power. making it difficult to get to vehicle off the road. this has occurred 5 times in the past year, most recently 09/192023, all times with adults and children in car. One of the incidents, I was unable to get off road as was in a construction zone with no shoulder, so had to sit in lane with oncoming traffic and was very fortunate not... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
While driving on expressways vehicle will suddenly lose all power. making it difficult to get to vehicle off the road. this has occurred 5 times in the past year, most recently 09/192023, all times with adults and children in car. One of the incidents, I was unable to get off road as was in a construction zone with no shoulder, so had to sit in lane with oncoming traffic and was very fortunate not... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I was driving down highway 60 when my van backfired. I thought it was a blown tire & started pulling off the highway. When pulling off the highway I noticed the orange glare off the side rails on the highway. That's when I realized that the van had caught on fire under the hood. Once I pulled over I had a friend call 911 to report my van on fire while I tried to open the hood & put the fire out. T... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under TSB: 21-01-073H (Engine). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera display displayed an upside-down image. The contact stated that the vehicle then returned to normal functionality; however, the failure had become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
The timing belt are known to go out on the Volkswagen CC even though Volkswagen says they should last the entire life of the engine. Also the camshaft, cam bridge, and spool valve will need replacing when it goes out. The Volkswagen dealer also said that is a common issue.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
We started experiencing a problem with our clutch on our manual transmission 2019 Jeep Wrangler Sport in December 2022. It felt like it would slip out of gear on its own, sounded like when someone first learns how to drive a manual and grinds the clutch. The dealer couldn't figure it out. Kept getting worse. Multiple trips back to the dealer. Mind you at the time this car was 3 1/2 years old and o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Faulty pistons, piston rings and piston heads responsible for excessive oil consumption. Excessive oil consumption occurs because the combustion chamber is not properly sealed off from the Audi turbo engine parts that need to remain lubricated. Because of inadequate lubrication, fragments of the piston rings flow through the Audi 2L turbo engines and damage important components. As a result, our 2... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
While driving on a freeway on Sep 15th 2023, wrench light showed up and immediately vehicle speed dropped from 65 to 30mph. This is second time this issue has happened and luckily my family survived accidents. First incident occured on Aug 13th 2023, after which i towed my vehicle to dealership. They repaired and said its safe to drive now. But issue is recurring. Please help me on this as I am re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
It was noted there is fogging, spiderweb type cracks, and discoloration on the inside of each headlight lens. It was discovered through conversations at the dealership and online research that a chemical reaction between the factory lens coating and the gas emitted by the headlight bulbs was the likely cause. Lumen output has gradually decreased as the issue grows worse and both lenses become more... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The BMW front facing kafas camera system is prone to failure in the BMW X3. The plastic piece that holds the camera module in place has small plastic tabs that attach it to the windshield. These tabs are prone to breaking. Once the tabs break the front camera system is no longer in alignment and all front safety systems will be disabled. This puts the occupants of the vehicle in danger as all ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Armada. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (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 vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle off the roadway, but the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the v... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
Oil leak. Smoke from the engine. Inspected by the local body shop, we were told that the leakage would probably come from cylinder head. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The side Window Molding and mounting panel broke off while driving. When it broke off it could have hit a person or vehicle causing significant injury or damage, luckily it just narrowly missed the vehicle in the lane next to us. As this broke off while we were driving on the freeway we were unable to stop and retrieve the piece. Additionally, the molding along the side windows on the front d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
The ABS light came on and went off intermittently, which also disabled the cruise control when the light was on. Eventually the light stayed on. Most recently the start button quit working properly. We have had it at the dealership twice with no results. We have talked to the dealership many times and been getting the run around. The latest was today and was told the parts are back ordered until 2... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
In 2019 I took my vehicle under warranty to the purchasing dealership to fix a "shift to park" reading after the vehicle is parked. It precludes turning off the car. Repeatedly restarting the car and shifting to park and/or jiggling the controller in park usually stopped the reading. The dealer replaced the control shifter, which fixed the problem for many years. This August, the problem started... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
I have had 2 safety recalls open on my Jeep without remedy for over a year. FCA has failed to do anything putting me and my family at risk.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
CURRENT CONDITION The rearview camera do not display an image when driver put it in reverse.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
On August 15, 2023 my 2020 Kia Soul's engine over heated causing a fire under the hood. There after the car smoked and would not turn back on or turn over.
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The audio in the truck increased to maximum volume on its own- without user/driver input. The only way to reset the radio is to pull over, shut off the truck, and open the door. This is extremely hazardous and distracting while operating the vehicle. It is an urgent safety concern for the driver and all passengers, as well as other vehicles.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
A transmission warning light comes on when started that says to use the park brake to keep the car from rolling