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 4, 2023
Appears to be an issue with the Dual Clutch Transmission. Makes the suv jolt after starting, waiting in traffic/red light and/or randomly driving around. Speed is not a determine factor in causing this “jolt”, for it happens at any rate of speed. Fear is the suv will randomly just stall and/or completely give out while driving, especially on the highway!
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
The steering wheel on all driving modes (sport, comfort, normal and individual) is stiff and sticky randomly at all speeds and both on regular city streets and highways/freeways. The issue comes and goes during both cold and hot weather. It is also stiff when I am doing the driving without lane assistance and also does it when the lane assistance is on. Problem has been going on for about 3 weeks.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
The engine malfunctioned on the freeway causing my brother to have to pull to the side as safely as possible. The engine was smoking and all of the electrical systems started to fail. It said it was overheating.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
The engine malfunctioned on the freeway causing my brother to have to pull to the side as safely as possible. The engine was smoking and all of the electrical systems started to fail. It said it was overheating.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
My back up camera isn't working and none of the locks work with the key fob. I bought my car from a car lot and it was a fleet car and it says all recalls have been fixed but my car hasn't been fixed at all and I don't know why. My car won't even charge my phone at all in either port so it has a big wiring problem. I have kids and grandkids in my car all the time and I can not see behind me becaus... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
Ref NHTSA TRACKING # 11557625 Vehicle broke down again within 5K miles and 45 days of prior repair referenced in above case. Similar conditions, highway speed, bucking and vibrating, loss of speed control, no warning. Subsequent repair confirmed same issue (fuel injector) as original breakdown/repair and my initial notification to NHTSA.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Lost all power steering. Cannot steer or turn my steering wheel
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
I had purchased the vehicle wrecked from an auction. I was driving this vehicle back in September and the power steering went out I have had no power steering since I have brought it to the attention of Ford motor company that they needed to do an investigation into their Ford fusion years 2011 and 12 along with prior years due to the fact that so many have no power steering I do not see the point... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Our 2022 Toyota Sienna would not start after arriving at a doctor’s appointment. Contacted active ToyotaCare for towing - no one showed up. Called a friend to jump start van; consulted the owners’ manual and performed jump. Van started but could only be driven about 100 yds in parking lot. Van stopped; multiple error codes showed up when trying to jump start again. ToyotaCare didn’t call aga... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster. Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
My 2020 Kia Optima had engine failure and engine is being replaced now. I've had this car for 1yr/84k miles. It went limp on the freeway 2 mos ago and I could've caused an accident when it shut down. Would not go over 30 mps, engine light kept blinking and had knocking sound. Diagnostic code as the other recalls, Engine is same for the other recalls 2.4 Theta, oil was black and almost empty & just... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
There is excessive oil consumption with the engine in my car. Hyundai says 1qt per 1000 miles is “acceptable” however this is not acceptable and can lead to catastrophic engine failure and oil slick on roadways if not caught in time. This is a know problem with Hyundai/Kia at this time. In many cases Hyundai/Kia owners are left with a “lemon” of a new car that is currently in warranty. Som... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
Are anyone else having the same problem. The vehicle is stuck in park intermittently and you have to push the button to release the gear shift knob out of park. pretty annoying to have to do this occasionally when before all you had to do was put your foot on the brake squeeze the shift knob lever and remove the vehicle out of park to drive.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V727000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the brake warning light was intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceede... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
I bought my car yesterday. Was driving tonight when it was raining with my wipers on. I stopped at a stoplight and the engine stopped, the check engine light came on, a loud and long beep sounded, and messages came up on the screen saying steering power low, press brake firmly to restart. I tried multiple times to press the brake for restarting but it didn't work. I had to put on my flashers for c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
On 12/5/2023, upon turn after intersection, loss of power to the engine. Pushing gas provided no response from the engine. Engine power cut to about 10 miles an hour. Felt as the car was driving on battery - as no engine was heard. Was able to pull over to the side. Turned off and on engine 2-3 times but the power wasn't restored. Received warning on dashboard that there is malfunction with engine... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
In the 5mph stop and go traffic of leaving a sloped parking garage, the brakes did not respond to repeated attempts to stop the Rogue. The brakes did not work with pumping them, hard pressure or light pressure. No collision warning alerts activated. (No beeping, lights or camera occurred as it usually does when an object is close to the vehicle.) No emergency braking activated. The only thing th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
The vehicle show an error message relating to the electrical system, refused to go over 24 mph for a short time, then went completely dark with no control and wheel locked. Dealer says ICCU + fuse is at fault, but there is no date for a new part. Vehicle is undriveable until new part comes in.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
The air bags safety recall has been out since May and not even an ounce of new information has come out with any updates on when we will be seeing new airbags, it’s very unsafe for drivers to be driving these vehicles and possibly have a fender bender and die because the airbag was faulty. We want an update it should be illegal for any of us to have to wait this long without even an update on a ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
1. MY car shuts off while driving and I don't understand why because my battery is new and all other components don't seem to be the issue i.e.: battery, starter, alternator. 2. My safety and the safety of my passengers were at risk because the car shuts off with no warning while driving. 3 I currently have the vehicle being inspected by my local Ford dealership but the problem has happened sever... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was an unknown liquid leaking from near the fuel tank. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Corsair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) 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: Oct 11, 2023
Upon leaving our campground on the morning of 11/30/2023 we were driving out on paved campground exit road at about 10MPH when Carefree awning on our 2022 Winnebago Travato suddenly and without warning fully extended in an uncontrolled fashion. We pulled over immediately and determined how to manually retract the awning with a socket wrench. Upon manually retracting the awning it was still not ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
I was driving home from work, all of sudden all the dash borad lights started flashing and the car stop. engine would not start back up. I had to have the car towed home and the next day it was towed to the dealership, I was told that there is a problems with the Chev Equinox's oil use, it burns fast and make the plastic parts in the engine break down. I was told that i will need timing chain and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
When getting gas..afterwards went to start and it would act like it wasn't getting gas..within hours after the check engine light came on..took to dealer to read trouble code..came up as a p0496..evap purge valve sticking open..also have noticed the built in remote start function is not working and will sound horn briefly instead..also looked up code my self and understand that it is a emissions s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
My vehicle started shaking and the check engine light came on. It's a PCV valve
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Date: 12/1/2023 Time: Approximately 5:20 AM Location: Intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] Vehicle 1: Type: Tesla Model Y Mode: Full Self-Driving (FSD) Direction: Eastbound on XXX Avenue Speed: Approximately 30 MPH Vehicle 2: Type: Sedan (Make and Model Unknown) Direction: Southbound on XXXX Avenue, turning right Incident Description: While operating a Tesla Model Y in Fu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not av... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC Code: P24AF (Particulate Matter Sensor Circuit Range/Performance has been detected). The contact stated that the vehicle had previously received a recall repair regarding an ECM software upgrade related... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The steering is sticking and jerky without the lane assist, especially when it's cold out. Instead of normal smooth steering correction while driving, it builds up pressure while trying to correct, then it feels like a slip, then a jerk. It makes me feel very unsafe and I always now have to have a firm grip on the wheel
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The steering is sticking and jerky without the lane assist, especially when it's cold out. Instead of normal smooth steering correction while driving, it builds up pressure while trying to correct, then it feels like a slip, then a jerk. It makes me feel very unsafe and I always now have to have a firm grip on the wheel
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving from a complete stop in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. A message indicating a transmission failure was displayed. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the conta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. Th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
Head restraint on passenger side deployed while not car. There was no collision. The car was parked in my drive. Chrysler avoids responsibility. My car has under 64,000 miles. It could have hurt a passenger if I was traveling. There should have been a recall. There are class suits on the problem with Chrysler vehicles.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke coming from the engine compartment, and the electronics started behaving erratically, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnos... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
was driving down the road with no warning car popped and made loud noise.. the left front of the car dropped down and steering was un responsive and came to a stop made a clunking sound when trying to move it out of road but was unsuccessful...
Incident date: May 8, 2023
was driving down the road with no warning car popped and made loud noise.. the left front of the car dropped down and steering was un responsive and came to a stop made a clunking sound when trying to move it out of road but was unsuccessful...
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The touch Display screen. It has started to constantly go through every setting on the car while driving. I’ve tried turning the screen off. It works for a few minutes and then turns itself back on. It will change radio stations. It will make phone calls if a phone is detected. It is a constant distraction while driving GMC is obviously aware of the problem. You can call a service center. The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
ABS and traction control warning lights intermittently come on. Has been repaired twice by local dealership by replacing the two computer modules/pumps responsible for ABS system. Cruise control disengages when this happens. When this happens at highway speeds while pulling a heavy trailer in traffic it's a very dangerous situation and needs to be corrected by manufacturer.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
My name is [XXX] (phone [XXX] , email: [XXX] ) I bought a Ford Fiesta 2017 VIN # [XXX] in Feb 2021. The car with 25K. Currently, at 59K Cylinder 1 and Cylinder 3 misfire because coolant gets in both cylinders, diagnosed by a local car mechanic! When driven, the car is a fire hazard!!! I’ve submitted a claim to Ford Motor Company [XXX], and they replied they don’t have a program that can hel... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
We received notice from Hyundai in mid-November about the anti-lock brake system modules problem (could leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short over time. This increases the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving) There is still no date for fixing this problem. We now need to park this car outside our garage, which increases the risk of the car being stolen.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
Vehicle was diagnosed with a damaged #3 rod bearing and required the engine assembly (long block) to be replaced. The Honda dealership retained the engine after inspection and replacement. While driving on the highway with family in the car the vehicle developed a knocking noise from the engine and loss of power. Our safety was put at risk because I was forced to immediately pull off the highway... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection, the vehicle independently accelerated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact steered the vehicle to the left in an attempt to stop the acceleration and repeatedly depressed the brake pedal. Due to the failure, the contact hit a curb, a sidewalk post, and finally, a retaining wall which stopped the vehicl... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
My van has been having increasingly frequent speed control problems. When attempting to pull out from a stop, the gas pedal will become unresponsive. Then, I will press the gas pedal harder and the vehicle will burn rubber. This happens intermittently, but at least 3-4 times a week. The most dramatic example of this happened, yesterday, while I was trying to make a left turn cross two lanes of... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
Roof molding front end cap loses causing to fly off while driving Hood is loose and lifting while driving
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
ABS traction control problem light comes on intermittently while driving. Cruise control will disengage when ABS traction control light is activated. The ABS traction control light is activating more often while driving.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
On cold days, general below 30 degrees, the drivers door will not latch. After the temperature warms, the door will latch. This renders the truck useless for 4 months of the year where we live. I have seen recalls on other Ford F150 for the door latch. But there are no active recalls for my truck. This is a major safety issue. Especially if the truck door comes unlatched while driving.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
In 2016 we had to replace the steering lock mechanism. Went to start the car and a security light came on and car would not start , and had to get the car towed from work. We paid to have the part replaced on 12/23/2016. Now, 11/27/2023 we had the same issue with the steering lock mechanism where we tried to start the vehicle and it won’t due to this same issue. Now having to get the car towed a... Read more