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 1, 2023
The steering rack continues to fail in the VW Atlas.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
I was driving on the highway going 75 mph and my panoramic sunroof exploded. My cover was not closed so glass came back in the car all over me. Luckily I didn’t have any passengers in the car but what if I had? Kia has been having this problem for years without doing anything about it.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
Radio functions are not working which includes GPS, general radio functions such as stations and volume, Bluetooth functions that interfere with basic safety and communications. Almost all functions of this car flow through the radio.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Car started making a noise and jerking, couldn't go above 12 mph and wouldn't go in reverse. Check engine light came on. This is same fault we had with our previous Ford focus which was supposed to be corrected in 2018 models but clearly isn't. Dealership said it is tcm and back order for part could be months, told us they don't do loaner cars but the repair is free. The repair isn't free because ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
While the van was in motion, the power tailgate unlocked and opened on its own. The dashboard displayed tailgate open warning message. I slowed down and the lock re-engaged to to close the tailgate. It happened again later that evening. Fortunately, I was within city limits, driving about 40 mph.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
My vehicle, an a whole host of others according to other owners online, have an issue with defective sealing in the rear bumper and underbody of the vehicle which allows water to enter, flooding the trunk which fries the electrical harness and audio system. As a result, all warning systems including the Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Parking Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
While driving on the freeway at about 65 mph through a gradual left bend in the road, with fully active SuperCruise (lane keeping, active cruise control) and fully hands off, the vehicle suddenly veered into the adjacent right lane. The vehicle moved into the adjacent lane at a high rate, and could have resulted in a heavy side impact to a vehicle driving in that lane (and potentially rippling int... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
When driving transmission power train having difficult time changing gears
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The trucks computer has a glitch the past few weeks where it will request permission repeatedly for OTA updates. Since this started, the rear view camera sometimes stays on after shifting from reverse to drive. It has remained on up to 30-40mph before the screen goes completely black. When the screen goes black, no functions work on the screen or audio/nav/camera controls except the radio on/of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted into park. The contact also stated that water was entering the trunk of the vehicle. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
This incident has happened to me more than once in the past few months. I am driving along the highway and all of a sudden I lose my power steering. The dashboard reads STEERING ASSIST FAULT. Service required. As well as Service Advance Trac. Safety issue because going at moderate speed to get onto highway and losing all power steering could cause me to go off road if in bad weather like rain or... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
This incident has happened to me more than once in the past few months. I am driving along the highway and all of a sudden I lose my power steering. The dashboard reads STEERING ASSIST FAULT. Service required. As well as Service Advance Trac. Safety issue because going at moderate speed to get onto highway and losing all power steering could cause me to go off road if in bad weather like rain or... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Instrument panel stops working from time to time. My Guages go crazy. My rpm and speedometer mess up and can't tell how fast I'm going. This has been going on for a few years now. My airbag sensor light is on and was In a light wreck few months ago. Hit pretty hard on front end of truck and yet neither one of my airbags deployed.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Hybrid Harness Malfunction. As reported on FaceBook by my wife to [XXX] of LIA Toyota: "Well my husband's RAV 4 wasn't safe and you knew it. And corporate knew it. You are in the business of saving lives by informing your customers when you find a defect in your cars. This faulty harness is dangerous. And the repair is costly and there aren't many of these parts available to make the repair. Yo... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
I have a toyota rav4 2008 2.4 the motor is no leaking oil, no blue smoke but i put 4 quarts oil on 1.000 miles,the comsuption oil is too much and the steering wheel column have problem and that is danger .i see on Google the problem on this car toyota rav4 2008 2.4 is came with factory problem on pistons and rings I call bernardi toyota framingham,ma on 08/27/2022 and i talk a service guy the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2022
I have a toyota rav4 2008 2.4 the motor is no leaking oil, no blue smoke but i put 4 quarts oil on 1.000 miles,the comsuption oil is too much and the steering wheel column have problem and that is danger .i see on Google the problem on this car toyota rav4 2008 2.4 is came with factory problem on pistons and rings I call bernardi toyota framingham,ma on 08/27/2022 and i talk a service guy the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
THE MYSKY FEATURE ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL ALONG WITH OTHERS VEHICLE HAS BROKE AND NOT WORKING. THE MAIN CONCERN FOR ALOT OF US IS THE BRACKETS THAT SLIDE THE ROOF OPEN AND CLOSE ARE BREAKING VERY EASILY. THERE ARE MANY JEEP RENEGADE USERS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. THE JEEP DEALERSHIP HAS ALSO SAID THE SAME THAT THEY FIX ALOT OF THESE ISSUES AND ARE NOT COVERED. THIS CAN ALSO BE A SAFET... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal after stopping at a traffic light, the vehicle accelerated to approximately 10 MPH and the engine started to shudder. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was an intermittent at first and occurred during cold start but became a recurring failure. The contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
The thermo control valve malfunctioned causing the check engine light to come on which shut down all the safety features in the vehicle including the front eye sight camera, blind spot warning, the rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance. The check engine computer readout diagnostic trouble code was P26A5 "Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "A"... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Nothing happened, yet. The magnetic material attached to the reluctor wheel provides a signal to the crankshaft position sensor. If this signal material is lost, the engine loses its ability to synchronize injector pulses and cam timing. This loss of crankshaft position can result in an engine stall, as well as loss of the ability to restart the engine. Safety Risk A loss of motive power can cause... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Power Steering Failed all of a sudden while riding around 40mph. put myself and others in danger. Unable to turn without puttting alot of strength into it. No warning lamps or messages about power steering.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
Coolant leak from casting defect. Common issue.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2020
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. 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 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 manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the adaptive cruise control (ACC) mode failed to disengage as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers engaged unintendedly and remained engaged after the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The contact's husband disconnecte... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the adaptive cruise control (ACC) mode failed to disengage as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers engaged unintendedly and remained engaged after the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The contact's husband disconnecte... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
ABS and/or traction control lights turning on intermittently while driving
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
My check airbag light came on. Also, when I'm driving, my car stalls in the middle of the road and is unable to move, and it keeps doing that. And it does not have a check engine light, but it keeps stalling.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
My check airbag light came on. Also, when I'm driving, my car stalls in the middle of the road and is unable to move, and it keeps doing that. And it does not have a check engine light, but it keeps stalling.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
UNKNOWN. I noticed that there was a check engine light on and I took it to autozone to have it checked out, they told me that it was coming back with the code of an o2 sensor. I thought nothing of it until it started not wanting to start right. On July 1, 2023 I took my car in to the dealership for an oil change and they never said anything about why my car was doing a delayed start. It would even... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
Driving the car and brake system failure. Esc failure and front collision failure almost hit a car. Truck speed warning no faster then 62 miles per hour
Incident date: May 6, 2023
At speeds over 60 MPH, the BMW K1600 B motorcycle is unstable and wobbles. The instability at speeds over 60 MPH are unsafe, and I, nor my wife, will ever ride it again as it feels like the motorcycle is going to lose control and fall over at high speeds causing injury or death to us or others. BMW Motorcycles of Cleveland inspected it, rode it and verbally stated that they agree it has stabilit... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
When i was driving in highway, all of a sudden gas paddle stop working no matter how hard i press it is not taking gas paddle and not picking up speed. I was panicking, lucky nobody behind me. Nothing bad happen, but this is very dangerous in my opinion.
Incident date: May 6, 2023
When i was driving in highway, all of a sudden gas paddle stop working no matter how hard i press it is not taking gas paddle and not picking up speed. I was panicking, lucky nobody behind me. Nothing bad happen, but this is very dangerous in my opinion.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The electronic power steering rack failed. It became dangerous as the power steering would go in and out, therefore, putting myself and others at the risk of a collision or crash. The dodge dealership was able to replace the unit, but it took 1-1/2 months as the part was on backorder and it cost $3,600. There was a recall on this exact issue for my same model and year, however, I was told my truck... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
When I put my car in park a notice comes up in my dashboard saying “shift to park” even though when I take my foot off the break it’s in parked. I took it to a Chevy dealer and said it will $500+ to fix. I have asked 5 other people with my same car (2018 or 2019) and they have the same issue. Now my car is having issues when shifting gears. There seems to be a delay in gear shifts when I go ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
When I put my car in park a notice comes up in my dashboard saying “shift to park” even though when I take my foot off the break it’s in parked. I took it to a Chevy dealer and said it will $500+ to fix. I have asked 5 other people with my same car (2018 or 2019) and they have the same issue. Now my car is having issues when shifting gears. There seems to be a delay in gear shifts when I go ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
It would appear that after the recall repair my car is experiencing problems that we’re supposed to be addressed with the recall. All systems are constantly malfunctioning.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
Abs module failed. Abs pump failed. Wheels locked on highway almost lost control.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Well, I don't really know what to do.. Last night the car was sitting in the garage on. And playing a seminar I was watching.on my phone. The keys were nowhere around the car, and the door was unlocked and the car was just sitting there on in the garage. We've only had the car five days, but this worries me.. It reminds me of [XXX] . This is the first year of this body styles and I hope it never d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The vehicle is shifting rough between 2nd and 3rd gear. It has trouble getting up to speed through intersections.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Passenger side sensor is faulty. BMW has issued Technical Service Bulletin to repair when found in warranty. The sensor will errantly warn airbag disable when person is not in seat.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that after lifting the rear seats, he became aware of a puddle of fuel near the housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel filter flange had failed, and the fuel assembly needed to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
I was driving down highway and saw a wall of cars and brake lights in the distance, so naturally my foot tried to push the brakes. The pedal was hard, and I panicked because my tahoe was not stopping at all! I continued to stomp on brake pedal all the way until my car actually hit 3 vehicles and then the guardrail! My brakes did not work , because if they did then I would have easily prevented th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while making turns and while starting the vehicle. A message indicating that the Power Steering Assist was inoperable was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65 MPH and making a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Shortly after entering the freeway on August 18, 2023, my vehicle experienced a powertrain malfunction and displayed a Service Vehicle Soon warning light along with a vehicle with an exclamation point light and a wrench light. Motive power was reduced. I received a Diagnostic Test Code of P0ADA, indicating that there was a hybrid powertrain fault. The dealer has confirmed the code and is ordering ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure the message "Terrain Management Fault" was displayed along with the wrench icon. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, and the message and the wrench icon were no longer displayed. The contact stated that the failure had ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact ha... Read more