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: Jun 17, 2023
When driving vehicle with my with the check engine light appeared. We were on interstate and truck would not accelerate above 45-50 mph with intermittent surges. I called dealership and they took in my vehicle and replaced the Module Powertrain Control stating that would fix issue. After replacing MPC they check engine light was still not repaired. Dealership told me that fuel pump, fuel lines... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
East bound on US 20 and Barrington Road in Hanover Park IL. I was in the right lane and had stopped at the light, about 3rd or 4th car back. There was a semi-truck in the middle lane (on my left). Assisted Driving/Adaptive Cruise Control (Cruise Mode 2) was active. The car automatically accelerated from the light. When I entered the intersection, the car sounded a warning alarm and braked very h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The contact's daughter pulled into a parking lot. The contact stated that he used an OBD reader to determine that cylinder #2 was misfiring. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The contact's daughter pulled into a parking lot. The contact stated that he used an OBD reader to determine that cylinder #2 was misfiring. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The front Xenon Headlight Wiring protective plastic coating has degraded and prematurely failed on both headlight assemblies. This caused headlight bulb shorting and poses a potential fire hazard in the front engine compartment of the vehicle. The wiring used in the headlight assemblies was not up to proper standards and failed. The wiring used in other areas of the engine bay seems to be okay.... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the rear spoiler detached and struck the rear windshield. The contact pulled over and located the part. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V115000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The contact's company owns a 2022 Freightliner M2. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the front driver seat was not steady and would rock to the side (left and right) and the front passenger recliner was not stable. The contact took the semi truck to the local dealer but was unable to repair the seats. The semi truck was not repaired. The contact called the seat manufacturer and they provide... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
electric power steering assist stopped working.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
On many occasions while driving at night (happens almost every night when we are driving), the headlights turn off on their own. This is when the headlights are set to "auto". This is a very dangerous situation - especially when driving on poorly lit roads. When it happens, I can get the lights to come back on by switching from "auto" to "off" and back to "auto". Drivers should not need to do t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
ON ALL E90 SERIES 3 (2008 BMW 328i), the PCV VALVE FAILS AND IS WELDED INTO THE VALVE COVER, THUS IF IT LEAKS OR GETS CRACKS IN THE ORANGE MEMBRANE, IT WILL CAUSE CAR TO STALL.. I ALMOST CRASHED 2x and this part should be recalled..IT AFFECTS THE FUEL AIR RATIO IN BMW E90, AND THE CAR WILL RUN LEAN AND NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH GAS AS AIR IS LEAKING FROM THE BROKEN MEMBRANE IN THE PVC VALVE. BMW WIL... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
Headrest deployed under normal driving conditions
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
Headrest deployed under normal driving conditions
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) however, after stopping and shifting the vehicle to park(P), the contact returned and noticed that the windshield had separated from the frame and was cracked. The contact stated that the manufacturer and the dealer refused to replace the windshield. The manufacturer was made awa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 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 contact stated the air bag warning light and the check engine warning had illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Windshield spontaneously cracked at top. I came outside in the morning after a temperature fluctuation and there was a crack at the top with one piece of the glass sitting lower… it has since grown. I have been forced to drive with the crack as Subaru will do anything to not honor a warranty, ever. The eyesight I am learning is necessary for the vehicle to avoid front end collisions and to pro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Car will loose power unexpectedly and start shaking badly. Check engine light comes on flashing. Vehicle gets towed to shop to find loss of compresión on cylinder one. Mercedes Benz forums full of this type of issue. Shop says repair is to rebuild or replace engine. Vehicle available for inspection.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2019
The steering angle sensor has faulted, at around 60,000 miles. This fault results in possible airbag failure, in conjunction with inability to perform safety breaking mechanisms, as well as disabling the cars 4x4 stability control features. BMW as well as other BMW third-party mechanics have told me this is a reoccurring problem and could pose a serious danger if in an accident. BMW officially tol... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2019
Unknown - has not worked for during the time we’ve owned it.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2019
Vehicle unpredictably hesitates during light to moderate acceleration in all driving modes (Sport, Normal, and Eco). This is especially dangerous when crossing in front of oncoming traffic from a stop or slow speed. Had a certified mechanic drive the car and verify the problem, but the car's systems don't report that there is a problem, so he had no answers.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with TBS: 20-2315, however t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
After a recent oil change and while driving from Utah to Wyoming, the engine began sputtering and seemed to be on the verge of seizing. Fortunately, we could make it to a gas station and check the oil. The oil was so low it did not measure on the dipstick. This occurred less than 1,000 miles since the last oil change. I subsequently learned that my sister, who also owns a 2016 Santa Fe, had a simi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to shift gear properly. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and then unintendedly accelerated. The check engine warning light and the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Brand new truck, 1st time towing through mountains of Kentucky, we kept getting "check trailer wiring", "trailer brakes disconnected" "service trailer brakes" I did research and took the truck in for service. They found nothing wrong, but said we should get an adapter and gave me the name of two. We had the camper checked as well, no issues. Many complaining on blogs about this issue and many ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
AC Discharge Hose replaced due to leak. Many people reported this same issue on online forums on the same vehicle. This is on a 1.5 L engine. Refrigerant type is R-1234yf. There was a recall on the compressor shaft seal deterioration due to this refrigerant type. Could the same be said for the discharge hose? I have already replaced my vehicles discharge hose. For diagnostics and repairs it cost ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Sunroof randomly shattered driving down the highway. I had the interior sunshade cover open, and glass went all in the inside of the SUV. Thankfully, nobody was harm but it was super scary. It sounded like a gunshot when it happened. I see that Hyundai doesn't cover this expense, and I had to go through my insurance company to make a claim. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE LOOKED AT. This is happening to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer on several occasions and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #5. On another visit the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #6. The spark plugs... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
2020 Kia Telluride 70,000 miles. Sunroof/moonroof off track and cannot close. Kia refuses to cover under warrantee despite car being only three years old. Both social media and NHTSA have multiple complains from other kia Telluride owners of identical issue.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
Need to recall as it is Common Knowledge among the BMW technicians that these vehicles are plagued with hazard of Parking / Emergency Break line clip breaking and for the line contacting the rotating drive shaft. The holding clip Mfg Part # 34406854898 breaks regularly ! the plastic parking brake retaining clip (BMW part # 34 40 6 854 898) deforms due to age/heat. The cable guide does not hold t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
Cylinder head inside the engine has a Crack with antifreeze leaking into the engine. I had been driving the car prior to being able to make an appointment at the dealership. Luckily there was not a crash due to this.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
Cylinder head inside the engine has a Crack with antifreeze leaking into the engine. I had been driving the car prior to being able to make an appointment at the dealership. Luckily there was not a crash due to this.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire wi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer for an undisclosed unrelated failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B1... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "power steering assist fault" message was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was firm however, the contact was able to steer the vehicle off the highway and stopped in a parking lot. The contact stated that the turn signals became inoperable. The contact shifted the turn signal hand... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The AFM system to the vehicle started to fail while I was on the road with my family. Vehicle went into limp mode as the vehicle started. Displayed on the dashboard engine loss of power with check engine light on. Took to the dealer to repair and got quoted a spark plug change when the issue is clearly something else.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
UNKNOWN. AC stopped working. According to repair shop, alternator belt sliced through the aluminum housing tube and Freon cannot be recharged . It needs total rebuild/reroute of AC tubing as The position and location of alternator belt is too close to the aluminum housing/tubing for cooling system. This is a bad build/design. When it’s really hot outside this is very dangerous for all passengers... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
BOTH SLIDING DOORS ARE LOCKED AND CAN'T BE OPENED MANUALLY OR AUTOMATICALLY OUR KIDS AND PASSENGERS CAN'T EXIT SAFELY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AND WARRANTY EXTENTED-DEALER CHARGED $155 AND TOLD US THAT THE DOOR BEING LOCKED AND NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN IS NOT THE ISSUE BUT THE LATCH IS DEFECTIVE. (WE DON'T BELIEVE THIS TO BE TRUE) THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN CONFIRME... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
Steering wheel locked up suddenly on the freeway. Once it started working again, and I continue to drive, it did the same thing and entire engine shut off in the middle of intersection, as well as steering wheel locking up. Car has not turned on since.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60–70 MPH, the brake assist system engaged without an object nearby. While depressing the brake pedal, the system released and reset. The Forward Collision Avoidance alarm sounded. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assis... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The car accelerates very choppy. I’ve also been getting a warning saying “ENGINE FAULT, SERVICE NOW.” I’m not sure what is wrong with it, it still drives as of right now and there is no recall for me to get it fixed.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
My BMW is signaling “Secure vehicle against rolling” notification when put in reverse. The Mechanics are saying that BMWS e springs are defected. Very dangerous for me and my children.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
the seat belts will not retract leaving the driver and passenger seat belts loose while wearing them, the vehicle has an open recall for this issue, I have contacted GM about the issue and they put me in touch with a dealer, after some back and forth for several months the dealer indicated that GM will not be fixing this issue as parts are no longer available through GM, I authorized them to use a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
I bought a Honda CR-V 2019 with 30,695 miles on 7/22/2022 from an authorized dealer. Vehicle had 1 previous owner and a clean record. At around 50,000 miles the car started to have some computer glitches. Interior lights and radio turning on and off. Interior screen changing randomly and rapidly between functions. Nothing to where I was too concerned. I would turn the car on and off and it would f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
AIRBAG LAMP REMIANS ON DUE TO FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT. HONOLULU BMW DEALER CLAIMS RECALL 08V384000 WAS PERFORMED JULY 18, 2008- WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME DATE LISTED IN THE RECALL AS BMW'S REPORT DATE TO NHTSA. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND PROCEDURE DID NOT GET PUBLISHED OR BEGIN FOR NEARLY A YEAR LATER. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ASKS THAT A SMALL STICKER BE AFFIXED ADJACENT TO THE VI... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
Message comes up to "Service electronic braking system." Code found was C0020-01 (ABS pump motor failure). Couldn't order part due to engineering review. Truck only has 20,400 miles. This part cannot be worn out. Should be a safety recall.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
Message comes up to "Service electronic braking system." Code found was C0020-01 (ABS pump motor failure). Couldn't order part due to engineering review. Truck only has 20,400 miles. This part cannot be worn out. Should be a safety recall.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
While driving at highway speed, check engine light came on along with warning message in multifunction indicator stating "Hybrid System Malfunction. Diminished Power. Contact Dealer", and car immediately decelerated from 60 mph to about 35 mph. When releasing accelerator, car shuddered. Once stopped, car accelerated very poorly, and barely was ablate ascend hills in neighborhood (5-10 mph going up... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
I purchased this car in October of 2022 it is less than a year old, this weekend the windshield spontaneously cracked on the lower passengers side in a straight thin line and has gotten bigger everyday, now exceeding 12 inches. The windshield was not impacted or hit in any way, the cracking occurring with no explanation and now requires a full replacement.. I believe I am not the only one having t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Unintended car acceleration, with complete brake failure. No software warning icons in dash, no collision avoidance or ABS triggered even though car so equipped. Crashed into rear end of stationery vehicle,. [XXX] , MN police were called. Incident report # attached. (1st image) Western National Insurance Co. notified.Claim # attached (2nd image) Car will be inspected @ BMW dealership in Bloomin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Corsair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention) and 23V380000 (Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made awar... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Corsair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention) and 23V380000 (Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made awar... Read more