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: 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: Oct 11, 2023
On a hybrid mode, drive gear at less than 10mph to park the vehicle. No engine warning lights, and no unusual signs. The car suddenly accelerated as I hit the brakes. At the time of the acceleration, the gasoline engine immediately came on and vehicle only came to stop as I stomped on the brakes for the second time, causing property damage.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
While driving on freeway with Adaptive cruise control set, vehicle automatically brakes when passing large vehicles, like semi trucks. ACC set at 75, I'm in left lane to pass truck going around curve and brakes come on and slow vehicle down to 60. I am clearly in the left lane to pass and truck in right lane. My safety and those behind are at a HUGE risk. This will cause an accident if not addre... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
I was driving on a trip when without any other warning my low oil pressure light came on and started dinging. I lost the ability to accelerate. Thankfully I was able to get off interstate without causing an accident. The next day I was told I needed a new engine. I have researched this engine and have discovered many other incidents of complete engine failure with these cars. Ford should recall th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2022
The transmission stoped working after the second shift.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
Brake lines are bubbled and do not pass inspection. Tesla claims this is my fault as I live on an unpaved road. My mechanic has seen the same problem in another 2019 tesla and there are few of these cars in Central VT
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the navigation screen went black or blue. The contact stated that the Navigation controls and radio became inoperable. After restarting the vehicle, the screen became operable, but the failure recurred after driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the APIM ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for an alignment, the contact was made aware of excessive corrosion on the sub frame. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed that the alignment could not be completed due to corrosion on the sub frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System) 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. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximate... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
Forward Collision Warning appeared, vehicle lost power and would not accelerate. Vehicle kept loosing power. Multiple codes appeared. I am an ASE certified mechanic, so I went to my own business to get my scanner and there was a list of codes. Vehicle is currently at dealership and they are tracking down issues. Currently blaming an ECM but unsure. This is the second vehicle I have had this exact ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
Forward Collision Warning appeared, vehicle lost power and would not accelerate. Vehicle kept loosing power. Multiple codes appeared. I am an ASE certified mechanic, so I went to my own business to get my scanner and there was a list of codes. Vehicle is currently at dealership and they are tracking down issues. Currently blaming an ECM but unsure. This is the second vehicle I have had this exact ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2020
Random phantom breaking when using cruise control at high speeds. Goes from 70-40 mph and always worried someone is going to rear end me when my car automatically rapidly slows down for no reason. Huge hazard and risk!
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel detached. The driver was able to reattach the steering wheel and safely pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who referred him to an independent mechanic for assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I was taking my mom to her knee appointment after her surgery, and my temperature gauge started to rise. No lights or warnings came on in the car what so ever. I pulled over before it reached the red, let it cool and checked fluids. From what I could see the oil, and coolant were fine. The heat in the car stopped working, and the car kept wanting to over heat in the lower gears. I got it to Lion C... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Hood latch will not release. Suspect the latch or components under the hood, similar to other Nissan Altima's that were recalled for same issue, failed similarly and now repairs and or quick access to engine bay in the event of an emergency is impossible without first repairing the latch and components involved. Called Nissan dealership they said some Nissan Altima's had been recalled for the same... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
RE: Recall Campaign No. 23V-337 It has been roughly half-of-a-year and MINI has not offered a solution. My car lost power while driving and it appears to be related to this issue--that is only my NON-EXPERT opinion. Can NHTSA direct BMW/MIONI to solve this problem, it's is looking like more than $1k to fix their issue. The vehicle is not operational. This situation is unfair.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
I was not informed of this recall when I purchased my Jeep at the dealership. Per recall, clutch pressure plate recall. The risk is high. Is extreme risk. It may catch fire. It may cause crash. I don’t feel safe driving my vehicle. I’ve been to dealership twice and they told me there’s no solution yet. I outreached Jeep via email directly.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
Headrest airbag deployed for no reason, no accident
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
Headrest airbag deployed for no reason, no accident
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
Starting to exhibit signs of the death wobble at 46000 miles
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
Starting to exhibit signs of the death wobble at 46000 miles
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
I was driving on the freeway and my hood popped and shattered my windshield. Why would you guys even allow a car on the roads with a defect as such? This is extremely dangerous! Now I am pretty much w/o transportation. I'm even more upset that I had to find out about the defect the hard way, to see that this is a known issue. What's next? looks like a few people have complained about this issue, e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Driving 60+ miles you hit a bump and the truck starts shaking real bad the whole truck That the only way to make the vehicle stop from shaking is slowing down the speed to 30 mph or complete stop until it goes away the terrible shaking. I already reemplace many suspension parts like the track bar,tie rod and the drag link and still having that issue
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
This vehicle has no leaks and no console indicators to let me know of this issue. The vehicle burns more oil than is acceptable. Was empty with no indication and no oil change due. Dealership admits to faulty design that burns too much oil. Gm admits and agrees to pay a small amount of the cost. Nominal and honestly not acceptable either since I have on record keeping up to date with all ma... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Slip indicator symbol, Brake word, Brake symbol, and ABS word lit up while driving. Brake pedal had to be pushed further down to stop the car. No warning lights or issues before this incident. Toyota diagnosed as abnormal leak in accumulator and internal brake fluid leak, and quoted replacement of the brake booster assembly with master cylinder and the brake booster pump. There is no advance i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
Randomly and suddenly while driving on OH State Route 98, my vehicle started a ROARING audio expulsion that could NOT be stopped. It was coming from EVERY speaker and at MAXIMUM volume and lasted for about 45 minute. I tried audio controls, I pulled over on the side of the road and shut down my vehicle. I opened my door to "complete" the computer shut off. I tried randomly pulling fuses to no ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Problem #1- I had to replace the ABS module and HCU on this truck at about 10k miles. (this was completed under warranty). Then at 50k miles truck was diagnosed with the same problem. I had to pay out of pocket for this repair. I ordered these parts from the dealer in November 2021, and they did not get me in until August 19, 2023. I had to pay ($1152.33). This is very dangerous when it has this e... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
Extremely loud, ear-piercing noise from speakers when the vehicle is started. Lasts about two to three seconds. My ears have been damaged by it. My young boys cried while in their car seats and said that their ears hurt. Noise occurs randomly. Dealer states that they can't do anything since it is not reproducible. I offered to record the noise when I enter the car. I would have to have my... Read more
3 injured
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
I was unaware of these recalls but have had issues with the air bag sensor in the passenger seat, the automatic doors and with the turn signals switching the way they respond.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
Emergency Collison fault problem on the 2023 GMC Canyon Failure Date: 10/22/2023 Driving approximately 45mph while car in front is approximately 50 yards ahead driving at a matched speed as my vehicle and without any prior warning the forward collision alert activated flashing red light on windshield and automatically applying full braking until the truck came to a complete abrupt stop in the cent... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Emergency Collison fault problem on the 2023 GMC Canyon Failure Date: 10/22/2023 Driving approximately 45mph while car in front is approximately 50 yards ahead driving at a matched speed as my vehicle and without any prior warning the forward collision alert activated flashing red light on windshield and automatically applying full braking until the truck came to a complete abrupt stop in the cent... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
I have a 2018 Subaru Legacy 2.5. The front catalytic converter failed April 2022 with 130k miles. the part was replace by Subaru and the part has failed again. Oct 2023 with 180k miles. Exhaust fumes enter the passenger compartment (which are Carbon Monoxide). The same part has failed two times in a short period of time. Subaru states this is not a warranty issue .This must become a recall.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
I have a 2018 Subaru Legacy 2.5. The front catalytic converter failed April 2022 with 130k miles. the part was replace by Subaru and the part has failed again. Oct 2023 with 180k miles. Exhaust fumes enter the passenger compartment (which are Carbon Monoxide). The same part has failed two times in a short period of time. Subaru states this is not a warranty issue .This must become a recall.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
on 2 occasions my dash had a waring come on that my crash avoidance system was inoperable and on 3 occasions my waring system with the red lights in front of the steering wheel has come on with no cars around. also on oct 28th the low pressure waring for right rear tire came on 21psi and this wasn't the case and i did get a warning from onstar this time. gm has sent this vehicle to another gm deal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the parking brake failed to disengage. The contact shifted the vehicle into Service Mode for the vehicle to operate as needed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound and the contact felt as if the brake pads were rubbing against the rotors. Several unknown warn... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH or at various speeds, the vehicle would make an abnormal sound from the rear axle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would also vibrate. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle seal n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
Vehicle stops accelerating randomly and loses power. Service electronic throttle control light comes on and engine light and traction control light and vehicle will not accelerate or stalls. Had vehicle towed to dealership and the code is saying the PTU is bad and needs to be replaced. This happens all the time, thankfully I’ve been very lucky thus far not having my children in the vehicle with ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
While driving , power steering became stiff and unable to move steering wheel and went into a lock position . I have to turn off engine completely to be safe .
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
Code P0128. While driving the vehicle gives a "steering assist reduced drive with care" the engine coolant temperature gage goes to 0 and the cooling fan runs until you turn off the car, and the a/c stops working. After replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor and harness the vehicle still does it. There are hundreds of reports of this happening online in forums. This is a safety issue when... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) started to Jerk on Friday October 27, 2023. Vehicle 2018 Nissan Rogue SV only has 55,871 miles. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, vehicle started jerking and I had to stop the vehicle on a main road and pull over to the side. Has th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
My ABS/Traction Control warning lights have been coming on and off for some time. They come on for random lengths of time. I brought it to the dealer at the end of July when the lights had been on long enough for the dealer to plug a unit in to read the code. I believe they stated it needed a control unit/board. I made an appointment to fix it a week later. When I arrived they stated they did not ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I bought this car 1 year and 2 months ago from a Hyundai dealership. The car was close to 73,000 miles. A few days after I got the car I started hearing this noise that sounded like a rattle coming from the front while accelerating to about 2,000 RPM. Due to my work, I went back to the dealer after 1,000 miles and explained to them about the noise and they duplicate it. The engine was consuming oi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
This vehicle has a severe water leak after rain event from body. Leaks into electrical, floor boards, roof. Dealership not able to locate water leak location. Have been working on it going on a month. We recently purchased the vehicle used.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
ABS module is defective after 7 years, there have been many reports and very expensive to fix, why hasn’t Honda made this a recall?
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
ABS module is defective after 7 years, there have been many reports and very expensive to fix, why hasn’t Honda made this a recall?
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Motor burns excessive oil; took vehicle to Kia dealership in October 2023. I told to get a full.synthetic oil change, and to return in 1000 miles to check the oil consumption. After an oil consumption test, if the vehicle is burning excessive oil, I told that my vehicle to my dealership to file a claim under the manufacturer's warranty to replace my motor/ engine needs to have a top engine clean... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
None of my windows will go down. Vehicle has less than 25,000 miles.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME & ESC STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. ANTILOCK BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. TOOK IT TO JACK POWELL DODGE IN ESCONDIDO CA AND THEY SAID MODULE & MANIFOLD WAS BAD BUT THAT IN WAS UNDER ENGINEERING REVIEW & IS UNAVAILABLE NOW. THEY WILL CALL WHEN THEY CAN GET IT BUT IN THE MEAN TIME THE TRUCK IS GOOD TO DRIVE.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking without another vehicle or object being nearby. The contact deactivated the system and was able to drive the vehicle safely. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the... Read more