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: Nov 1, 2023
5 days after purchasing and While driving down the interstate at 80 mph, there was a loud clunk at the same time the back wheels locked up for a split second, long enough to burn the tires and throw everyone in the vehicle forward then the vehicle continued on. It happened three more times, we trailered it and brought it to the dealer. They said nothing is wrong with it. However, I was able to loc... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
In May, the engine completely failed as I was driving on the freeway, without cause. It had to be towed to the dealership where luckily the engine was replaced under warranty. Less than 6 months later, the HEV and CEL warning lights came on as I was commuting to work via highway. The car was very low powered, hard to accelerate, and immediately decelerated whenever I started to let off the gas ped... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
In May, the engine completely failed as I was driving on the freeway, without cause. It had to be towed to the dealership where luckily the engine was replaced under warranty. Less than 6 months later, the HEV and CEL warning lights came on as I was commuting to work via highway. The car was very low powered, hard to accelerate, and immediately decelerated whenever I started to let off the gas ped... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
passenger front headrest basically seemed to explode for no reason. Like a jack in the box. Like it sprung forward. Now you can see the insides and broken plastic pieces inside.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Forest River Stealth Trailer. The contact stated that the frame was not welded properly. The safety chains were installed incorrectly. The trailer was taken to an independent mechanic, who declined to service the trailer. The local dealer was contacted. The trailer was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
I am told my transmission needs to be replaced and I need timing chain repair kit. I had transmission service in June 2023 and our car started with a funny noise. Had oil changed and tune up and still same sound Car started to jerk really hard on accelaration after 25mpg then would catch itself up and then loose power. I took to back to place that did my transmission service and they deemed 2... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
Warning light for coolant appeared around 11K mile mark, took it in to dealership where service department said there were no leaks and added coolant. After several months, warning light appeared again, only this time I bought coolant from dealership and topped it off myself. They said it's normal for this to happen. 3 months later, the warning light is back on and a different dealership is now... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
The right front suspension failed. Something broke so that the wheel/brake component bent away from the car causing a sudden left hand turn/jerk. This was confirmed upon exiting the car and looking at the front right semi-attached wheel. The car traveled THROUGH highway safety cables, front windshield shattered, right passenger side arm bag deployed and car stopped in median before going into on... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
Headlight Assembly DLR failures
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Vehicle started missing at 30-40mph. No lights were on but I took it to the dealership and they determined a new transmission was needed at a cost of $6464.33 plus tax. They indicated it was a known issue but no recall had been issued so I was responsible for the cost. I checked around at other transmission shops and they also said they had been seeing those issues. I looked online and online fo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
Engine has lost power from 150hp @ 3K RPM and 200ft·lb @ 4K RPM. It is now 50hp @ ½K RPM & 75ft·lb @ 2K revolutions per minute. Gear Shift Button has seperated from globe. Radio needs to be replaced or reset daily. Rear window defroster has seperated from window, and won’t retain position. Tire Pressure Monitoring System hasn’t worked to no avail. Turn signals are showing discrepancie... Read more
1 injured
1 deaths
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Blind-spt warming system inoperable. When malfunctioning, cannot disengage the key from the ignition. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. Blind-spot warning light has been illustrated on the dash intermittently since 10/5/22.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Blind-spt warming system inoperable. When malfunctioning, cannot disengage the key from the ignition. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. Blind-spot warning light has been illustrated on the dash intermittently since 10/5/22.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structurer) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. 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 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 manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Front right knuckle cracked and separated from upper control arm ball joint causing front lower control arm ball joints to fail and inner CV axle joint to separate and also cause damage to air spring. The part failure occurred while I was driving and the vehicle lost all control. I feared greatly for my safety and if I were on a highway, I could've crashed into other vehicles. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The power Steering Assist failed. I was unable to steer the vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Vehicle was parked in garage and caught on fire. Garage, vehicle, and all contents were a complete loss. Total loss of garage and property excluding the vehicle is around $75,000.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Last evening the interior vehicle power (headlights, dash lights, AC/heat fan) intermittently flashed off then back on while driving...when this happened as I arrived home, I completely lost power steering (electronic power steering warning light came on) and could barely turn the steering wheel. Thankfully I was moving at relatively slow speed when I lost power steering, but this could certainly... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
Last evening the interior vehicle power (headlights, dash lights, AC/heat fan) intermittently flashed off then back on while driving...when this happened as I arrived home, I completely lost power steering (electronic power steering warning light came on) and could barely turn the steering wheel. Thankfully I was moving at relatively slow speed when I lost power steering, but this could certainly... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
while i was driving, the front collision warning and emergency brake went off out of nowhere when there was no cars in front of me as the street was empty.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Engine keeps losing oil level when no leaks found which causes transmission and engine to act making weird noises when gas pedal hit when driving car. Transmission is making weird noises like it is slipping when driving when gas pedal is pressed down. A settlement with Nissan was reached due to a class action lawsuit as car is having the issue as car pass 120000 mileage limit when issue started.... Read more
BMW
C600 SPORT MAXI-SCOOTER
(2016) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 19, 2023
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
When the vehicle is at a full stop and you press the gas, there is a stall in the vehicle acceleration. I’m unsure if this is a transmission or engine issue however it has done this since the date of purchase. I have contacted a Honda dealer who stated “this is a known problem but there is no solution for it”. This is a very large safety concern as the delay can easily cause a crash.. I have... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
Car is shaking when turned on. Will stall if car is not shifted to gear sometimes. When AC is on, car will jump rpm. car acceleration is weak and will jump to 5-6k rpm. car also smells burnt sometimes when driving. car also smells like gasoline sometimes. car does not hold proper amount of gasoline.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Since I purchased the vehicle second hand from a dealer, I've had a recurring check engine light that comes on a couple of times a month indicating a Cyclinder 1 misfire. I've replaced the spark plugs twice and the engine coils for almost $1000. Then, at 75,000 miles, Cylinder 4 caused a blinking engine light and that coil needed replacing for $5000. The cyclinder 1 misfire has remained and the F... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
Crankshaft snap and turbo issues causing to be broke down on highway
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
Manufacturer Recall NumberN232404980 NHTSA Recall Number23V334 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2014-2017 model year Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. In these vehicles, the front-driver airbag inflator may contain a supplier manufacturing defec... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Transmission is shuttering, had it checks by River City Ford and the tech advised the Torque converter needed to be replaced. After research, the recall 20N07 in October 9, 2020 for torque converter issues was found. After reading the document, the same issues, same motor same transmission is happening to my vehicle. The issues are as stated, vehicles that experience adverse NVH, vibration and/or ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Our driver side sliding door can only be opened with the fob and overhead button located in the front of the vehicle. If the driver becomes unconscious or the vehicle is on fire the back passengers have no way to get out of the van. It cannot be manually opened from the outside or the inside. It is a very serious safety issue!!
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, and the vehicle displayed a message reading "Electronic Power Assist Fault". The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that power to the EPS was lost due to a fault with the ba... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
No wreck related. But my truck just stopped running. It could of been bad if I was on a highway. The truck will not start or run. Diagnostic says it's, crank shaft positioning sensor. There is a recall for this but it's vin specific and mine is not listed. This could be a very deadly issue. No warning lights at all the truck just stopped running.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating with an abnormal rattling sound coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vibration and rattling were a constant failure and happened at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
While driving, vehicle stalled. Mechanic found water in spare wheel Well. And fuel module and fuel pump shorted out. Had vehicle repaired; 07/22. The vehicle stalled again in 12/22. Mechanic found water in spare wheel well. Had to replace fuel pump. In February,2023, Mercedes Benz notified me of a recall, NHTSA Recall I D: 22V955 ; water intrusion in the spare wheel well. And, stated their local d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
On September 23rd our vehicles cruise control stopped working. We submitted a service request to Tesla and they scheduled a service appt for October 16th. They later cancelled this appt saying that it is a known firmware issue that would be corrected in a future, undetermined, firmware update. On November 16th we took the car to a Tesla service center and they confirmed it is a firmware issue, but... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Front, right, strut disconnected from upper mount during driving.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Purchased this used 2018, F-150 truck at a Ford Dealership on 08/26/23. Mileage was 73,110. Vehicle was covered by the manufacturer’s Ford Blue Advantage and had allegedly passed a 172 point inspection to be Gold Certified. Less than 2 months after purchase in mid October, the transmission and associated performance of the vehicle became unpredictable. Symptoms started on October 14, with ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Antilock brake module and hydraulic control unit defects. Went for service at Kendall dodge in Soldotna Alaska and told brakes can’t be fixed due to defective parts.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic for service and the contact was informed by the mechanic that there was severe corrosion on the subframe. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine, vehicle stability assist, and low oil level warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle began to lose motive power. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was stiff while attempting to steer to the side of the road. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
I was driving on the highway and then I heard a loud boom, and looked in my rearview mirror and my rear window was shattered. I had to pull over and there was no sign of any impact. I was so terrified that I called the police to come out to inspect it and they did not see any sign of impact either. I called Honda, and they advise that my warranty does not cover the glass since the glass does not c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Tire size Michelin 245/50. R20. Multiple tire flats right rear vehicle has 8368 miles. Last flat was puncture in sidewall requiring replacement of tire. Suspect tire rubber faulty as appears odd color and extremely difficult to clean also has odor or odd smell when cleaning. All flats were displayed on the pressure dash warning it is unknown to me why multiple flats could be a malfunction of ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Tire size Michelin 245/50. R20. Multiple tire flats right rear vehicle has 8368 miles. Last flat was puncture in sidewall requiring replacement of tire. Suspect tire rubber faulty as appears odd color and extremely difficult to clean also has odor or odd smell when cleaning. All flats were displayed on the pressure dash warning it is unknown to me why multiple flats could be a malfunction of ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
Intermittent loss off power steering while driving, usually in cold weather conditions. Absolutely no warning. This is EXTREMELY dangerous, especially when the driver is an elderly woman without the arm strength to steer the car without assisted power steering.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that Roadside Assistance jumpstarted the vehicle. Additionally, the driver’s side sun visor exploded. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
Engine stalled when merging in the freeway. Mechanic said that the engine stalled because there was not enough oil. I did an oil change a month prior, and no oil light indication came on until after the car broke down.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
After diagnose, DTC C1604 ECU hardware error and DTc C2412 motor short or open malfunctioning, recommended replace EPS system
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
about 2 years ago (2021) both me and my wife's my nissan cvt transmission went out and needed repair. In my case the transmission overheated, losing power while driving 80mph almost leaving me and my family stranded on the highway while coming back from trip late at night. Took car to dealership where they diagnosed transmission had overheated. After contacting manufacturer Nissan they offered to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Moss brothers sold me a stolen car the metal bintag is missing the 2nd key missing air bags tampered I paid it off 2 days ago the car dangerous swaying wrong break petal and gas the seats the frame not safe and the bin number shows a sunroof they sold me a salvaged car here's the engine a rustedengine the windshield unsafe corporate the car is dangerous and marked parts the tire can off a ND... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Shock absorber severe noise driving over road imperfections , lower front ball joint failure full pull through of the joint off of the control arm assembly pulling the cv axle apart and basically having the front wheel more or less completely separate from the body where the vehicle is no longer moveable
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Shock absorber severe noise driving over road imperfections , lower front ball joint failure full pull through of the joint off of the control arm assembly pulling the cv axle apart and basically having the front wheel more or less completely separate from the body where the vehicle is no longer moveable