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: Dec 1, 2023
The vehicle completely lost power while driving. My wife came down a dirt road hill, made a left onto [XXX] in Duxbury, VT, heard a "clunk" from below the car, and experienced total power loss. An error flashed on the screen that read "Critical Battery System" and then, soon after, "Stop Car Immediately." She was able to coast 1/4 mile (downhill) to a school parking lot. The car was towed to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening the front driver's side door, the door made an abnormal popping sound. The contact determined that the front driver's side door spot welds had fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the vehicle seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was stated that an unknown part was disconnected near the gear shift. The contact was unsure what part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on two occasions. The contact stated that on each occasion, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and the engine was replaced twice. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at an independent mechanic, he was informed that there was an abnormal tick... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
While driving on a straight road steering wheel suddenly jerk hard left and right several times for just a few seconds and then went normal. This caused the car to cross lane into oncoming traffic. Fortunately steering went to normal before causing head on collision. I took the car into local Toyota dealer to be checked. They could not duplicate trouble. No warning lamps lit up and no fault codes ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
For multiple months, a "front camera fault" warning would display while driving on the highway, usually while using cruise control or automatic steering. This would then suddenly kick off all driving features and the car would begin to drift, requiring driver intervention. The vehicle will also periodically slam on the brakes and warn of a forward collision, but when no cars were in front. This ob... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated the audible indicators for the driver's seat belt and the "Key Left in Ignition' was inoperable. The contactor also stated that the radio powered on independently, causing the driver to be startled due to the loud volume. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed by the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My Tesla Model y is installing the same updates multiple times. The updates installing multiple times is causing erratic functionality issues with the car's software. Tesla has been unwilling to resolve the issue and claim the car is working just fine. When I asked the local service tech I was told the car shouldn't be installing the same update multiple times. I don't feel safe in my car when I d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
In my area, there has been lots of heavy rain. There was a water leak on the interior rear driver side, causing the tailgate control module (TCM) to fail part # 74970-THR-A12 The tailgate trunk or 5th door is not working, will not open, will not activate. I took my 2020 honda odyssey my local dealership but no help. Many vans from Honda, years 2018-2021 are having this very same issue. Please help... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
Bought the car for my son August 2. The engine light came on the end of October, the Ford dealer was backed up once they took a look at it in the beginning of November. They told me I needed a whole new engine due to a coolant intrusion problem. Where I bought the car from state it came with a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty but warranty company is not covering that issue. This should be a recall an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
Hcu system failed now trucks and system is messed up, can’t use cruise control and nervous too drive the truck for safety reasons. Dealer says it could be months for a new system
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
Hcu system failed now trucks and system is messed up, can’t use cruise control and nervous too drive the truck for safety reasons. Dealer says it could be months for a new system
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
I’ve bought this 08 escape from a mechanic shop out right as is… had to problems with it at all until a couple of months my steering wheel started to shake, then it got worse to the point where I had to put a firm grip on the wheel, looked it up and did some research on it apparently there was a recall on this a while back due because of the power steering motor,
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
My New 2023 Nissan Rogue encountered a warning "Engine Malfunction Power reduced Service Now" after the car was driven 4600 miles in July 28th 2023. The car did not accelerate higher than 15 miles/ hr with the warning and it was difficult to change lanes while driving the vehicle to Nissan Service at Jeff Wyler Nissan, Eastgate, Ohio - 45103. The warning light went off after the car was restarted... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
My New 2023 Nissan Rogue encountered a warning "Engine Malfunction Power reduced Service Now" after the car was driven 4600 miles in July 28th 2023. The car did not accelerate higher than 15 miles/ hr with the warning and it was difficult to change lanes while driving the vehicle to Nissan Service at Jeff Wyler Nissan, Eastgate, Ohio - 45103. The warning light went off after the car was restarted... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The contact was informed that the dealer was unable to perform the recall repair due to a screw that had sealed due to corrosion. The dealer contacted the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that since the screw was not able to be remo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
Nothing has yet happened, however, Ford sent a recall notice regarding premature engine failure in May 2023. The recall (NHTSA recall 23V380) stated that they anticipated a solution by October 2023, but they have no solution still. I don't know what the nature of the defect is, but I did not anticipate waiting more than 8 months for a solution on something that could cause the engine to set on fir... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
While driving, the power steering (electronic) failed. Driver Info Center gave no waring until the system failed. After failure the DEC gave a warning to "Service Poser steering".
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and attempting to park the vehicle, the power steering became inoperable. The power steering failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
We were told by our auto mechanic that this vehicle needed a new electrical control module. The part has been on back-order with the local KIA dealership for a couple of months. My daughter was driving the car recently when all of the lights went out, and the car would only drive forward approximately 5 miles per hour. The car began to shudder and I had my daughter pull into the nearest parking... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
While driving on the interstate the vehicle suddenly shuddered and immediately died, dash lights were still on but all power was cut off. Cars around me were swerving to avoid hitting me from behind as well as avoiding cars in the inside lane. Thankfully able to coast to the narrow edge of the road without a grave incident. Restarted the car with a terrible metallic screetching noise and limp alon... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
While driving my car suddenly used it brakes and stop suddenly. I was driving and this is very dangerous. We need a recall on this problem. I'm afraid to drive this car.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Complaints Department, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to submit a formal complaint regarding safety concerns with the Tesla Model Y's Autopilot system, specifically related to changes that were enforced by the NHTSA, which, in my opinion, have rendered the vehicle less safe than before. I'm the owner of a 2022 Model Y Lo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
ABS intermittently turns off, brought to dealer and advised that ABS control unit and pump need replaced. Also went to service garage with same diagnosis. Dealer advised that the part in question, the ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU) was not available and would be redesigned maybe next year 2024. This problem has persisted since August 2023. It is dangerous to have the brakes compromised and the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
My engine failed with no notice while driving on the interstate leaving me coasting under no power leading to a very unsafe situation being that was no prior warning. The engine failure was under normal highway driving speeds. The dealership said that it was a catastrophic engine failure which brings up possibly a risk of fire the vehicle only has 24K miles on the odometer so very immature failure... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
Left front signal light and right rear signal, other vehicle's cannot see where I am turning, yes where i have my oil changed did their inspection, no problem with the bulbs. yes a mechanic, when turn on the signal to turn right the information center said that the back rear signal had failed and when turning left the information center said the front left signal failed.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
Low Oil Pressure. I had to get a whole new engine with only 95,000 miles.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and jerked. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, a burning odor was detected. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later received notific... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
During the month of November while driving on Interstate 35 inTexas I attempted to administer my braking system during slowed traffic and they did not respond. The brake pedal became completely stiff and I had to apply incredible pressure to get the vehicle to slow down until I turned on my hazards and rolled to a stop on the shoulder. I did not have any alerts or warnings until I powered the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The engien keep stalling, prolem accelerating jurky transmisión and this is the only car I have to go work I take the highway everyday I am cosern that something can happend to me.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
I was driving home on i-91 S when my car started smoking from under the hood. There were no warning lights and the temperature gauge read normal with the lever at the center. I pulled off at the next Exit and parked in a parking lot. I popped the hood and found that a fire had started around the engine. The fire grew to the point that the whole front half of the car was burned before the fire depa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 15, 2018
In September 2023 I started getting a warning to service the ABS system. The warning and associated annoying tone would appear and than disappear at different times. I spoke with the service manager from Lithia Dodge where I purchased the truck. He told me that he was unable to service my truck because the ABS parts are not available. I was told that like a great number of Ram truck owners, I ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Rodent damage found during 1-year maintenance. This is an increasing problem that is under-reported. Damage was found before any wires were effected, however, the wiring was exposed and would have caused a malfunction had this not been detected by technician. 1. Automakers across the board are using cheaper, soy-based elements to wrap wiring and customers are having to deal with the result of subp... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the front driver’s and front passenger’s side seat belts failed to remain buckled while driving with the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the failure was a manufacturer’s defect. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
We were driving down the road and the car started violently shaking, the check engine light went on and the car wouldn't move. The car needed to be pushed to the gas station and we almost got hit with my son in his car seat. I do believe this is a safety concern that needs to be looked into for a possible recall. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Días atrás se prendió la luz de airbag en el tablero y se siente mucho aire caliente al conducir los dealers me cobran mucho para un diagnóstico que puedo hacer?
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Had to replace lead frame on the transmission.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, and at various speeds, while turning the steering wheels, the steering wheel failed to return to center, and the contact needed to manually turn the steering wheel back to center. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
When I am driving, my passenger sometimes does not trigger the airbag to activate. Depending on how they are sitting, many times the passenger airbag is set to "off" because it can not detect a passenger. The Rivian service center has investigated and mentioned there is no problem and that the passenger needs to sit more upright, but this still seems like a safety issue if we are driving and fail ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
I noticed a clicking noise when pressing and releasing the brake pedal that had not been there before. I started hearing that sound 3-5 days ago. After driving to pick up food I noticed smoke coming from the engine area then the car burst into flames. The fire depress called a they put out the fire.
Fire
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
While pulling up to the drive thru window to pick up our food, at very low speed, vehicle would not stop had put all of my body weight on brake pedal to get it to stop and avoid hitting car in front of us.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
While driving on the freeway to go drop my daughter at school, the car started jerking and loosing speed, it wasn't responding or picking up speed when pressing on the gas pedal, it started slowing down and almost got hit from behind. Then a warning came on the dash showing check engine and "transmission overheating," at that moment I pulled over to the side of the freeway and parked the car. I wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
This morning I got into my Defender, started it, and the power steering was clearly not working at all. The steering wheel was not locked. With very significant effort I could turn the wheel. After searching online I found that this is apparently a widespread problem with Land Rover Defenders since about 2021. I was lucky that it happened in my driveway and not while I was actually driving. I was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced several electrical failures, including that door erroneously locking and unlocking and the Lane Departure safety feature malfunctioning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the electronic body control module was faulty. After removing and reinstalling the module, the vehicle was repaire... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Was driving on the highway and the car lost power and shut down and wouldn’t start again. It was towed to a mechanic where I was told the timing jumped and I needed a new engine. I bought the car used in 2018 and not even 2 months after the car was burning oil the car started shaking and eventually stalled. At that point it was still cover under warranty
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
December 24-23 was in red lobster to pickup food about 5 mins my grand wagoneer was on fire
Fire
Incident date: May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
water is coming thru the top of front windshield and condensation build up
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
My ABS and traction control lights come on and off. When the lights are on I have no ABS or cruise control. When the lights turn on and off it's a distraction to my driving. If I am driving with cruise control and the ABS light activates I lose cruise control and have an abrupt decrease in speed. If I brake on a slick surface such as mud without ABS sometimes I skid and my stopping distance is inc... Read more