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 23, 2023
Vehicle had a engine failure at 64,000 miles, vehicle was very well maintained by dealer, on time, I went in for a oil change drove in to the dealer, got vehicle back and 400 miles down the road had loud knock in the engine, dealer told me they saw metal shavings, possibly a spun bearing from oil dilution, they refuse to repair it as it’s passed the 60,000 warranty mark leaving me with a $6000 b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
Had cruise control on and “phantom braking” occurred about 10 times on a 22hr trip from California to Oklahoma. Very scary. Car went from 80 to about 40mph in seconds. How is this even possible for Tesla to have these vehicles on the road? I’ve only had the car for 2 weeks.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
Found Truck bed floor rust corrosion in the bed of 2014 tundra. Bed has localized corrosion and rust perforation in specific areas on the top side of the bed. Bed assembly does not appear to have been properly sealed using hemming and sealing procedures outlined in CRIB bulletin:163 sealing Hem-flanges and body seams. The truck bed underside is rust free except where the bed sections were welde... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The vehicle automatically came to a screeching stop at highway speed (50 mph) with no obstructions in the roadway. Our safety and the safety of others was jeopardized because we lost control of the vehicle during the incident. The manufacturers service center is scheduled to look at the vehicle but has no record of any complaints despite thousands of similar complaints recorded online. They do ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The ABS module and the hydraulic control module have failed twice in 75,000 miles. Not having abs or traction control is a huge safety risk for a truck that is designed to haul heavy loads.
Incident date: May 17, 2023
We took our vehicle to Woodhouse Ford in Omaha, NE (72nd St Location) for the 19S07-6R80 Sudden Transmission Downshift-Powertrain Control Module Programming Recall. It was supposedly fixed with a software update. Not long after we experienced the PRNDL Illumination and Backup Lamp Activation (Recall 12C23) Symptom. We were told, while this is a known issue and a recall for other 2011 Ford F-150... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
We took our vehicle to Woodhouse Ford in Omaha, NE (72nd St Location) for the 19S07-6R80 Sudden Transmission Downshift-Powertrain Control Module Programming Recall. It was supposedly fixed with a software update. Not long after we experienced the PRNDL Illumination and Backup Lamp Activation (Recall 12C23) Symptom. We were told, while this is a known issue and a recall for other 2011 Ford F-150... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
The transmission went out at 93,000 miles and we took it in to be repaired under warranty. We were told a new transmission would be installed after being shipped from Detroit MI. When we picked up the vehice we discovered it was not a new transmission but a remanufactured transmission. We drove it home 25 miles home and it did not shift properly. We immediately called the dealership back to report... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Full Self Driving suddenly speeds up while waiting at red lights
Crash
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on a long road trip, the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal with the transmission temperature message displayed. The vehicle was turned off and the contact reset the transmission per the instructions in the Owner’s Manual. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated norm... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Transmission fluid leaking and sometimes doesn’t want to accelerate
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
I've been experiencing drive train problems with my vehicle and upon research I've concluded that not just only me but many people with the same vehicle as mine have been having transfer case/driveshaft/differential problems and the scary part is that no codes pop up for this issue!! I've already took it to many shops I've even took it to an official BMW dealership and they don't seem to help but ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
I just bought this car and the brakes do not feel right when i go to stop. They are new and i got them changed today and it still makes a pop noise.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
I just bought this car and the brakes do not feel right when i go to stop. They are new and i got them changed today and it still makes a pop noise.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated with and without a passenger seated in the seat. Recently, the contact stated that the warning chime would continuously sound after an occupant had exited the passenger’s side seat. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that she... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The BMW DOES NOT OFFER THIS RECALL RECOMMENDED BY NHTSA
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
Was told that the sub frame is bad. After looking into it, it seems to be a known issue with the jeep compass.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
My engine failed on a busy road on my home after a long day of work. I was at a red light when my car failed and was terrified a car was going to hit me. I was the first car in line and had barely made it past the light. Thankfully, I was able to have my car pushed into a nearby lot by complete strangers. I had just gotten off of the freeway, I easily could have been killed or hurt. My car was tow... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2018
RAB disabled, eye sight disabled, I drive disabled, check engine light came on. Car drives like it's is in sport mode with very touchy throttle. Pulled a code and it's the TCV. It's a known issue by Subaru with a part that has since been revamped but with thousands of vehicles on the road affected. Should be a recall. Contacted Subaru of America with no response so now a $1,900-$2,500 depending o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2018
RAB disabled, eye sight disabled, I drive disabled, check engine light came on. Car drives like it's is in sport mode with very touchy throttle. Pulled a code and it's the TCV. It's a known issue by Subaru with a part that has since been revamped but with thousands of vehicles on the road affected. Should be a recall. Contacted Subaru of America with no response so now a $1,900-$2,500 depending o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
While idling in line at a fuel station, my vehicle suddenly started shuddering and quickly followed up with a strange squeak that sounded like metal on metal contact from the lower portion of the engine. This happened on June 5th 2023 around noon timeframe. I was able to pull the vehicle into a parking spot where I turned the engine off and called for a tow truck. There were no visible lights or c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
The inlet power supply shorted out and almost caught my camper on fire
Incident date: Feb 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ducati Scrambler. The contact stated while riding 30 MPH, the motorcycle lost motive power and stalled with the "Side Stand Error" message displayed. The contact was able to roll the motorcycle to the side of the roadway. The motorcycle was towed to the residence. The motorcycle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the motorcycle was not included in N... Read more
BMW
C650 GT MAXI-SCOOTER
(2013) — STEERING
Jun 27, 2023
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Steering system makes noise when the steering wheel is turned. The steering has a "sticking" characteristic on the highway, making it unsafe to drive due to minor adjustments over center causing the steering rack to temporarily "lock up", then dart left or right when more force is applied. Owner contacted Lexus Corporate about this issue, but they were uncooperative.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
My 2016 Toyota Tacoma has had multiple oil leaks in the timing cover. The dealer has already fixed this issue twice and the timing cover is currently leaking oil. This leak is expensive to fix because it involves removing the engine and the transmission to properly seal the timing cover. This is a know defect that poses a serious safety concern as the oil leak may go from a small leak to a large ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
My steering assist is reduced drive with care message is on. The AC is no longer working and the fan is constantly running and sounds horrible. The temperature gauge has not come off of cold. After researching this issue online-it looks like this is a constant problem with Acadias from 2017-current. People are talking about the cost being between $1100-2400 to fix. There is a service bulletin out ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
The front windshield developed a star crack two inches above the base and in the middle. The crack then expanded upward and to the left, and down to the base. There is no evidence of an impact from any object. The windshield crack was treated with Silicone Repair. After one day another crack developed from the same source went upward and then to the left in one direction and also down to the base ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2023
My car was robbed. It was robbed because the door lock was broken into, and the ignition was started with a USB cord (the "Kia Boys" tiktok challenge). When my car was recovered the engine was also damaged, necessitating deep engine repairs that I could not afford. My insurance hasn't agreed to cover it despite Comprehensive coverage.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn and turn signals were inoperable. Additionally, the windshield wipers remained on constantly and failed to deactivate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
After starting the car, upon first acceleration, the car hesitates badly and has the tendency to lunge forward. It feels like it may stall. When I say cold, I mean when the engine has cooled down. This does not have to do with outside temperature. It happens when it's warm outside as well and the engine has cooled down. This issue has been present since taking ownership in Dec 2022. This poses a s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
After starting the car, upon first acceleration, the car hesitates badly and has the tendency to lunge forward. It feels like it may stall. When I say cold, I mean when the engine has cooled down. This does not have to do with outside temperature. It happens when it's warm outside as well and the engine has cooled down. This issue has been present since taking ownership in Dec 2022. This poses a s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Vehicle airbag/seatbelt warning light on 9/2022. Airbag (seatbelt) module replaced. Caused by condensation or leak due to BMW not sealing cupholders and placing KEY SAFETY EQUIPMENT directly under unsealed cupholders. I was told other modules likely damaged but airbags and seatbelt were first to go out. 2023 April/May - steering issues. Windshield wipers run continuously and cannot be turned off... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Occasionally, the vehicle sometimes doesn't start and allow me to engage to Drive gear from being turned off/Parked. I sometimes have to turn the car off and back on 1-2 times for the car to start like normal and allow me to select drive or reverse. Additionally, I have never been able to successfully sync my vehicle with my hyundai bluelink account despite efforts to troubleshoot with Bluelin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Occasionally, the vehicle sometimes doesn't start and allow me to engage to Drive gear from being turned off/Parked. I sometimes have to turn the car off and back on 1-2 times for the car to start like normal and allow me to select drive or reverse. Additionally, I have never been able to successfully sync my vehicle with my hyundai bluelink account despite efforts to troubleshoot with Bluelin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
I was traveling on 6/12 at approximately 4:30 AM at around 65 MPH when I received a warning message something to the effect of “emergency system malfunction - vehicle will now stop”. I lost all throttle and the vehicle slowed to a stop. Due to the lack of other vehicles present at the time, I was able to get to the side of the road before the vehicle completely stopped. I restarted the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
When I’m driving it will say engine warming wait to start
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
The rear backup camera quit working making it more dangerous to back up without it. The dealer was too busy to examine it for awhile. I believe it may be a cable problem like was identified on other Honda models recently because my camera screen is also blank.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
During the recent Safety Recall of this vehicle and subsequent repair, it was noted by the certified mechanic that oil was being wicked up along electrical lines in the stator. The mechanic issued an immediate "Do not ride, Do not operate" warning. 2019 BMW R1250GSA has 17,000 accident free miles. Many "false" engine management warnings.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
These people have sold me a car that is burning oil and they refuse to honor their settlement made by a class action lawsuit against them to replace the motors that are in fact burning oil. At first they told me that they would seal the oil and for me to drive 1000 miles and return to them so that they can determine if the car was leaking or burning oil. Upon return they did in fact say that it wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
My customer satisfaction number is W20. I have been waiting since December 2022 to get the catalytic converter replaced. I was told there were 2 people ahead of me. Everytime I called I was told they were still trying to reach the people. They did update the software but now my Jeep is sluggish. I have to force the gas pedal to force the accelerator to the floor to pick up speed. So my gas mileage... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
While driving, traction control light came on. Eventually went away after shutting off vehicle, but engine light came on. Things escalated a week later when all warning lights starting coming on while I was driving and I lost power steering. I took to the dealership and they said several wires had rubbed against a condenser. The fixed the wires. Approx. 2 weeks go by with no problems. Then my Jeep... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Error message displayed: "Secure vehicle against rolling" This message is displayed due to a broken spring in the gear selector mechanism. Because of the broken spring, the car's computer cannot detect whether or not the gear selector is in park. This creates a safety hazard because the gear selector can be shifted into Drive without having your foot on the brake. Note that a very large number of ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Engine cradle,motor mount and sub frame completely rotted out. structural integrity at a total loss. Vehicle is no longer road worthy. This problem Chrysler is continuing to ignore is definitely Hazardous for other vehicles and their occupants if catastrophic failure of the above named components were to occur while driving even at normal operating speeds. How many complaints have to be made about... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Transmission over temp is a never ending light that lights up daily. I've had 3 reprogrammed PCMs and the ECM replaced as well. The car was also reprogrammed at the dealership twice with the results the same. It will work for a couple days then right back to the original issue and including a few more. Recently the trans over temp came on and stalled in rush hour traffic. Resulting in a almost... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2023
The contact leased a 2022 Kia K5 equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: P Zero AS, Tire Size: 235/45/R18. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front tire had a bubble. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the tire was replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver’s side rear and passenger’s side rear tire thread depth wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
The rear subframe fractured while driving nearly causing a wreck. The rear of the vehicle jerked violently to the right. If this had been on the highway I believe it would have cost the car to spin out. At the dealership it was found that the rear subframe was rusted out where the recalled to link attached. I tried to get part from the dealership but they said it was already disposed of i do have ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
Have a 2007 Chevy Avalanche LTZ 5.3L that has a dashboard panel that is completely falling apart and cracking everywhere. This includes MULTIPLE cracks and broken pieces surrounding the airbag. I am worried these pieces could get propelled by the airbag if the airbag were to deploy. These cracks and broken parts of the dash have also caused multiple other things to become loose. The controls on th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
There are no warning signals and its been an issue since purchase. The steering has a lot of play and the truck will pull one way or the other. This causes extreme episodes of swerving even at speeds of 30. The front and rear were replaced with initial recall or TSB.
Incident date: May 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be restarted and was undriveable. The contact stated she was almost rear-ended twice before Police arrived on the scene to help. The vehicle was tow... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to hesitate. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCM software needed to be updated; however, the contact was unsure if the update was performed. The contact stated that he was informed by the dealer that a failur... Read more