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: Jan 2, 2024
While merging into the highway at approximately 49 to 52 mph, acceleration was applied to merge into the highway between moving vehicles. The vehicle responded by greatly increasing the rpm but not applying the power to the wheels. The engine revved up with very little acceleration. After 5 to 8 seconds, the power was finally transferred to the wheels and the vehicle sped up. The vehicle behind me... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
ABS and traction control light. Continue to flash on and off cruise control will not work when light is on and traction control does not work. One light is on. I Heard there is a class action lawsuit in California trying to have my vehicle fixed. It continues to beep whenever I hit a bump or take a turn. Sometimes it's on. Sometimes it's off
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
We purchased the car June 3rd 2023. Since purchase the car has given a Check engine light over6 times and the Expansion Valves have been replaced. It has spend 50+ days in service since purchase. On 1/26/24 the High Voltage system light cam eon and the car is back for repairs for 7 days and still not resolved. The automated parking systems are prone to errors and have nearly cased accidents. Lucki... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact about a recall. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him about scheduling an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact attempted to re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the gooseneck ball hitch failed to remain secured. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer. The dealer confirmed the failure with the gooseneck ball hitch was related to the recall but did not replace the gooseneck ball hitch. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18E028000 (Trailer Hitches) as a possible s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
The sensors do not work. The car does not tell me when oil is needed, when my tires are low. No sensors work in the car. The dealer, Mini Of Edison, states FOUND INTERNAL HARDWARE FAULTS. But are stating its costs 2300.00 to fix. This is a huge safety issue.Ive been having to guess when my oil is low and when my tires are low. This has been going on since September 2023, the car was only boug... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
When I fill up with gas, the car will shake and die, upon starting. Due to this, I no longer fill up the car - I merely put $20 in gas - at a time.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking. The contact continued driving and the vehicle started to shake excessively. The message “Engine Power Reduced” message and “Stabili-trak” warning light illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to get the vehicle parked in a parking space and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting gears hard. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and a diagnostic test was performed. However, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the ignition switch was previously replaced. Additionally, the message "Check Stability System" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuse box and engine struts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I bought a new model X and took delivery on December 23 2023. On January 26, 2024, it stopped working in the middle of the road with 35% battery left. While my wife was driving the vehicle it gave her a sudden warning on the dashboard “pull over safely, vehicle shutting down. Vehicle may not restart.” My wife had no opportunity to pull over and it was in the middle of the road. The car was ess... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that there was water leaking from all four grab handles above the front and rear driver's and passenger's side seats. Upon inspection, the contact noticed water stains around the sunroof and headliner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The hybrid system was shut down while driving. The symptoms are like the description in this recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000). However, my VIN is not on the recall list.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (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 contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
Dear Officer, I'm writing to report the powertrain and engine issue on my Green Kia Soul 2017 with a 1.6L engine. The engine misfired when I was driving on Interstate 26 with my whole family (including my wife, mom, and 4-year-old daughter). The speed was down first with no signal and then the car started to shake strongly. It was extremely dangerous as it would very likely have made a collision... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
Dear Officer, I'm writing to report the powertrain and engine issue on my Green Kia Soul 2017 with a 1.6L engine. The engine misfired when I was driving on Interstate 26 with my whole family (including my wife, mom, and 4-year-old daughter). The speed was down first with no signal and then the car started to shake strongly. It was extremely dangerous as it would very likely have made a collision... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the "Service Engine Soon," message was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle then inadvertently lost motive power. The low oil and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
10 months ago engine would die 1x/months Then 2x/months Then Weekly Titusville FL dealer changed ignition and wire harness, $865 & no change. 1x/months is now every mile. In Texas. This is dealer ripped me off.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM's were increasing and decreasing erratically on the tachometer, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
July 26th 2023 at around noon CDT, when I ran into a relatively heavy downpour. I was traveling at 65mph on a hwy before the rain, then slowed down to almost 50mph due to the rain. There was a vehicle behind me when all of sudden the my cars CEL started flashing, and the car lost power. I was unable to accelerate or maintain speed, and was almost rear ended as I tried to quickly pull off the road.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
There is a defeat in my Ford catalytic converter. I would like I sent the part to the NHTSA.DOT.GOV for research. I am attaching pictures of the defective product.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
There is a defeat in my Ford catalytic converter. I would like I sent the part to the NHTSA.DOT.GOV for research. I am attaching pictures of the defective product.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The driver's seat lost a bolt and the seat was no longer bolted down at the back, although sitting on it would lower it. I took it to a mechanic and they re-attached the screw and bolt but were unable to do so in a way that the seat operates properly. It still lifts when I get out of the car and lowers when I sit down. This is available for inspection if needed. The safety concern is that in the e... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
The vehicle has a very significant oil consumption issue. We are putting oil in every couple weeks but there is no sign of oil leaking out of the car. While driving the car on the highway one day, the car started to sputter and shake badly. We took the car to a mechanic and we were told the compression in #4 was shot. We just had the car inspected at the local dealership a month prior and noth... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
When driving in slowed traffic the car would not accelerate for 3-5 seconds. No warning lights appeared. I had slowed to 5mph and upon pressing the gas pedal the car had no response and put me in danger as all traffic around me accelerated and the Venza would not respond to gas pedal. I removed foot from pedal and tried again and after sustained gas pedal for 3 seconds the car slowly resumed mo... Read more
BMW
C650 GT MAXI-SCOOTER
(2013) - FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Jan 29, 2024
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue 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 manufa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
PURCHASE A 2011 KIA VAN FROM AUTO CONNECTION NORFOLK VIRGINIA THE VAN STARED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT SHUT UP PROPERLY SOMETIMES IT WOULD TAKE 10 to 15 TO SHUT UP STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP WAS TOLD BY A LOCK SMITH THAT THE VAN HAD SOME MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES START LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ADDING A QUART A DAY TOOK IT TO SEVERAL REPAIR SHOP WAS INFORMED THE VAN BRAKE LI... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
It won't catch up speed it slips on the freeway. Once I pass 60 miles per hour it excelerates very high and rpm get stuck after I hit 50 miles per hour. There's a knocking noise coming from the engine and burns oil fast.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
When driving at highway speeds, steering wheel “sticks” or “locks” and requires extra force to turn. Problem was intermittent at first but has gotten worse over the last few days. Problem seems to occur whenever the wheel has not been turned for a few seconds. Driving at city speeds doesn’t cause problem to occur. No lights or warnings indicate any problems. Issue occurs with or without ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
I went to dealer and they are not fixing this issue at the moment and they dont know until when are they going to start fixing it.
BMW
X3
(2019) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE:SOFTWARE:PEDESTRIAN/CYCLIST/OBJECT/OBSTACLE/ RECOGNITION
Jan 26, 2024
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated while driving 28-29 MPH at nighttime, she noticed an animal in the roadway and decelerated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was approximately 2 ft. away from the animal, the vehicle made a loud sound, and the hood popped up and partially covered the windshield. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that sh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
4 days after owning the Jeep a service 4WD light came on. It’s been in the shop since the beginning of December 2023. They’ve found multiple wiring issues along with a burnt module and problems with the 4WD actuator. The recall on the Jeep is also for a wiring issue.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
The engine shut down after five minutes of driving, and only then the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. We had the car towed to the dealer, the service department said "the entire engine needs to be replaced due to a failed oil pump causing bearing failure. This is at 63,000 Miles. Cost to replace engine is $10,000. Talked to Ford dealership said nothing they can do.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to move forward or reverse. The system default warning light was displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
I had just purchased this well-used 2012 F150XL [XXX] ) because well into retirement at [XXX] and officially handicapped, it was all I could afford and had to get a personal loan for it anyway. First thing was a Lake Keowee Ford (REFLASH RECALL) which was performed and within a few days, everything electrical stopped and the battery started draining overnight over and over. The truck would not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that coolant h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that coolant h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
The contact's mother owns a 2008 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the front passenger's side air bag sensor warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Passenger Air Bag Off" was displayed while the front passenger's seat was occupied. The contact stated that he connected an OBD reader to the vehicle and retrieved diagnostic codes that indicated that the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (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 contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
I was rear-ended at a slow speed. I was stopped at the time. The driver who hit me was decelerating hard. Damaged to rear bumper. When I got back in the car, I realized that telescoping steering column had been pulled toward me. This would have been bad had I been shoved into the car in front of me and the airbags deployed too close to me. Luckily, this did not happen.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
My car airbag light came on. I called the dealership about the remedy that was already recalled under campaign number 18V137000 because my last visit I got told by the dealership that my ACU was bad for the car and that it was going to cost me upwards of $2000 to replace and the dead was no recall on my vehicle and then called corporate and they had told me that this had been taken care of back in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and driving on an upward grade of the road, the vehicle was making an abnormally loud clicking sound and was losing forward momentum. The contact stated that two unknown symbols flashed on the instrument cluster. The contact pulled over and turned the vehicle off and had the vehicle towed to a dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
I was driving on an on ramp on an interstate and the vehicle suddenly went from drive mode into losing power and completely stalling out. From that point, the vehicle would not start and had to be pushed to the side of the on ramp. The manufacturer says that the Power Transfer Unit failed and needs replacement.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The driver side indoor door handle no longer works. Despite my model being part of the special service campaign 20LC02, dealer says that my VIN number is not covered despite it being the exact problem described.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
Brakes lose power --- depress all the way and there's no braking power. Almost got into a serious car crash since I literally could not stop (except for using the ebrake). Check engine light is on. This seems to be an incredibly common and dangerous issue with the older Ford Fusions (I have a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid). Only 105k miles. Dealer recommends replacing ABS Module (among other things).
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
We operate numerous 7.3L Ford engine equipped vehicles in our fleet of ambulances. Over the past year we have experienced 4 engine failures of this 7.3L engine in vehicles ranging form around 60,000 to 90,000 after exceeding the service recommendations stated from the manufacturer. I have contacted the Ford Pro Fleet experts and have asked repeatedly about what could be causing the failures, tryi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
I was driving at 50mph when I lost power to my brakes. The brakes still worked well enough to get home, but I had to slow down well in advance of every turn and push hard on the brakes. Warning lights saying Brake System Failure (43 MPH Top Speed), Service Stabilitrak, and Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care. This problem has been talked about by other owners on Forums on the internet. Here... Read more