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: Apr 29, 2023
The drivers door handle broke. In researching online, this has been an issue with Mercedes Benz since they are made of weak plastic. Apparently, they have a more stronger version now. It’s a safety concern as you cannot open the door from the inside.You have to roll down the window, and open the door using the outside handle. What if the power window didn’t work?This is a severe safety concern... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2019
I purchased GV80 in Genesis of Cumming, GA in May 6, 10:00AM, on the same day, while driving on the highway returning home, low tire pressure warning was poped up in the center cluster, then right after rear-driver side tire unexpectedly ripped off from the rim, causing me to lose control of the car and almost causing a serious accident. No symptoms recognized before incident while I drive on the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Jayco Recon. The contact stated that after turning on the air conditioner, there was a smoke odor detected. The contact initially thought the smoke odor was from the air conditioner not being used for a long period. Smoke then filled the bathroom. The contact inspected the transfer switch on the bedroom wall and noticed that the transfer switch was charred. The RV was not d... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
Abs module melted causing the wiring harness to melt. Now the module and harness needs to be replaced and module reprogrammed
Incident date: May 12, 2020
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced unintended surging and engine revving. During the failure the driver had difficulty stopping the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving at various speeds, and also while the vehicle was stationary and idling. The cause of the failure was not y... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Vehicle has 102k miles and the piston rings, catalytic and timing belt need to be replaced. Engine light came on yesterday and we immediately took to the Honda dealership. Van has been serviced by Honda exclusively for the duration. No prior warnings have been found during service calls. No prior inspections have been conducted even though an adjacent service bulletin was issued addressing the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on various occasions, water was entering into the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact also stated that water was seen coming from the ceiling light buttons. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof guard, motor and trim needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 2... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
This F150 needs cam phasers replaced (local Ford dealer has diagnosed the problem) and there is a recall on other 2017 F150 VINS but for some reason my VIN isn't coming up with as this issue being covered by a recall. Ford recommended that I submit my VIN to be included. The recall is Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03 https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10204046-0001.pdf. Please add my VIN... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Sunroof exploded while driving down highway.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
A small spill of liquid (unsweetened iced tea) on the gear shift area inches from the cup holder shorted out the entire transmission of the vehicle, rendering it immovable. This happened while pulling into our garage, but if it had happened while the car was moving on the road it could have caused a catastrophic accident.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
While driving on a freeway at about 70mph, the "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" warning message displayed. Additionally on the dashboard, the BRAKE (red warning light), the yellow engine light, the red turtle light displayed. The car quickly lost power and speed was reduced to about 40 mph. Within about 1/2 of a mile the car continued to slow down and we were able to coast into a truck ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Driving normal and then sudden down shift while driving on the freeway Had the software update and it’s still doing the same thing. Was told the lead frame needs replacement. Ford has so many issues with the parts they are back ordered and I am now moving past the extended 10 year / 150,000 mile warranty. I can’t drive and have no idea when or if parts will be available.
Incident date: May 8, 2023
I was driving in stop-and-go traffic on 5/3/23 and when I released my foot from the brake to gentle accelerate when traffic ahead of me moved, many error messages flashed on the dashboard and the vehicle did not move. The various errors included "travel assist not available", "forward collision warning not available", "vehicle should NOT be towed", "all wheel drive function is currently limited" ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
On 5/8/2023 I was driving on the freeway going about 70 to 75 MPH. All of a sudden the car stopped accelerating and the engine just stopped working. I costed somehow to the side of the freeway until a tow truck could arrive. There was no warning, until this happened. Car was running perfect up to this point. By the grace of God, I wasn't hit and no one was hurt. I honestly thought I was goi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
The vehicle's LCD screen has become delaminated which causes the control of the radio, air conditioning, navigation, and other features controlled by the "radio" portion of the car to become dysfunctional. The car will randomly beep, change air temperatures, start navigation, cause the loss of hands-free communication. This is a safety hazard as it causes the driver to be distracted in order to at... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2022
Car turned slowed down and almost turned off while I was driving with my toddler in the back seat potentially putting our lives in danger had it happened in the freeway. The ABS light turned on but later in the day turned off and the engine light turned on as well but didn’t turn off until the next day. After a week it did the same thing again except the ABS light didn’t turn on.
Incident date: May 5, 2023
After completing door latch recall there is still an alert the the hatchback is open. And doesn't shut off. The dealer states that I have to pay for replacement since the recall shows complete. Except the instructions did not show anything in regards to this component , in regards to the fuel system, the dealer said I would have to pay for test to determine if the PCM would fix the engine ight af... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
After completing door latch recall there is still an alert the the hatchback is open. And doesn't shut off. The dealer states that I have to pay for replacement since the recall shows complete. Except the instructions did not show anything in regards to this component , in regards to the fuel system, the dealer said I would have to pay for test to determine if the PCM would fix the engine ight af... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel was seized. Additionally, the service advancetrac warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufac... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle was slow to respond and failed to move. After the vehicle responded, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The third row seat belt latch constantly gets stuck when lowering the driver side seats down. It has bent over time and it finally broke in half. We constantly try to move it to be safe but as the driver side seats go down, they catch the passenger side seat and pull the seatbelt latch with it. It results in the latch part being crushed between the seats. It was still usable up until this weekend ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and driving from a complete stop, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The contact stated that the failure ceased while driving 40 MPH however, the failure recurred while driving below 40 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the flyw... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately; however, after several attempts, the vehicle started. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 77 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power inadvertently. The contact stated that he immediately shifted into neutral (N) and restarted the... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
Burns oil due to bad piston rings. They are notorious for it and everyone that has a 8th generation Honda Accord (2008-2012) knows this is one of the biggest problems with the vehicle.
Incident date: May 7, 2023
I bought my 2016 Subaru Impreza brand new and take great care of it. The car has 80,300 miles and when I did a sharp U turn the car stalled out and I was almost rear-ended. At a busy intersection a few weeks I was at a red light and my car was noticeably idling rough and when the light went green my car stalled out causing the road to be blocked. After taking my car to a certified mechanic I find... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Low Beam headlights have degraded to the point of being unable to see the road and have to use high beams to drive at night.I have replaced the low beam bulbs with no improvement .The problem seems to be the low beam bulb capsules that the bulbs are in that have some type of reflective coating that has deteriorated.I see Acura has recalled the 2015 model RLX for this same problem. I have searched ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
I was preparing to yurn road had a lip when I attempted to turn breaks locked up would not engage resulting in my accident
Crash
Incident date: May 5, 2023
I was driving on the freeway at night. There was a sudden explosion that sounded like a gunshot. I was shocked and afraid. I heard the rain outside, so it seemed like there was a hole in the car. I pulled off the freeway and went to a well lit gas station to inspect the car. The sunroof had exploded upward. Fortunately the fabric sunshade was closed so the shards of glass remained above it. T... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Auto A button for echo you power on but it not work. My keep faulty if my door lock with auto it sometimes won’t open then a lock smith has to be call
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
The vehicle kept getting slower and slower was not able to use six gear had a hard time going up hills would lose its power engine light came on when I would get gas the car would not start afterwards went to a dealership on 5/6/20-23 and found out there were three codes that came up one was for a misfire detected on startup another was unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum and a third was internal ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
this is the third windscreen cracked due to stress crack,
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Vehicle emergency break activates, unable to release, or when teleased after multiple attempts the light continues flashing on the break button and warning alert on the dasboard. The first time it happened i arrived to destination and parked, when parked as i am waiting it activated when the door was opened. It has not been inspeacted yet, it fist started about 1 week ago. Its unpredictable when i... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
I was making a right hand turn my car started to lose breaking a ability and my car went in to a ditch and the air bags deployed the dust from the air bags practically disolved a hole in my jeans
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 5, 2023
On April 1, 2023 me and my family where coming down the mountain when we noticed the brakes where going to the floor . My husband had to pump the brakes in order to have good brakes. This is a safety issue to us and others cause if someone was to slam on brakes we wouldnt have time to stop. Yes it has been inspected I took it to ford place in Mount airy NC on April 11, 2023 and they said HCU faile... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
There are multiple problem points with this vehicle that become apparent far earlier than they should including but not limited to 1: Starter Motor complete failure at 70k miles (affects every single 3.8 2015-2017 genesis sedan) 2: Sunroof front panel seal degradation 3: Shuddering driveshaft early into new ownership (also afflicts most of these vehicles) 4: BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER SUDDE... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
2013 sonata. Constant oil consumption. Had replaced the oil pan and piston, oil caps, pvc valve. Car stalled twice and kept getting check engine lights popping up. Turns out the engine is defective and needs to be replaced. The car is starting at my mechanic right now and trying to figure out how to get it to Hyundai dealer so the engine can be replaced. the car is unsafe to drive right no... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80-85 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started to decelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway and waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The failure reoccurred several times. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who dia... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Drivetrain malfunction popped up and the car cut off and went into neutral while driving on the road which almost led us to lose control and wreck. Many issues with the fuel pump.
Incident date: May 4, 2023
We were driving down I-5 and the highway was clear ahead of us and we were driving with adaptive cruise control. The Tesla suddenly applied harsh brakes without anything ahead of us
Incident date: May 4, 2023
We were driving down I-5 and the highway was clear ahead of us and we were driving with adaptive cruise control. The Tesla suddenly applied harsh brakes without anything ahead of us
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
I was slowly pulling into a parking space and as I applied pressure to the brakes, there was no response. In fact the car seemed to rev up and accelerate, jumping the curb and ramming a tree. I was able to steer away from the tree to avoid hitting the center of the front end, but smashing the left front. Even after hitting the tree the car did not slow and I’m trying to pump the brakes, there... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced phantom braking with the Emergency Braking message displayed. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and had the vehicle towed to the dealer; however, no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
The steering of my car felt as though there was a resistance when driving it. It felt as though there was a force pushing my wheel. It resembled what it felt like if I had lane keep assist on and was trying to maintain the lane, but I did not have that feature on. It did not happen all the time, either. I could drive it one day and not experience anything but the next day, I would. I had it diagno... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence. Later when the vehicle was started there was a large white cloud o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
The contact’s son owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact then stated that her son was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The contact then stated that the battery was replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Code P052E---crankcase Vent Solenoid Valve issue---------common issue with this model----under 65,000 miles
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the high beam headlights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,981.
Incident date: May 3, 2023
So my 2017 F-150 keeps having transmission problems. I've been to the dealer 3 different times in the last 2 months. I took it in the first time for the control module malfunction and a bang from under the driver seat. The dealership came back to me with a quote for 11K worth of repairs. EBS control module was the problem not the transmission. Drove the truck around 150-200 miles and took it back... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2023
Experienced the "Death Wobble" multiple times while on vacation March and April 2023 while towing a 30 foot 5th wheel RV. When traveling interstate highways between 55 and 65 MPH we experienced extreme violent shaking of the front end whenever going over rough pavement. Immediate slowing to below 50 MPH ended the violent shaking. We do not tow the RV at speeds above 65 MPH. We reported the issue ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
While driving it suddenly showing error as “hybrid system warning, stop and do not drive” and “check brakes” then brakes are not working. I turn off the ignition and start car again, then no error.Went to a local mechanic to check codes he can not find anything. This is a serious issue to taken care off as if brakes fail on highway, we may cause an accident. Then I search in google and l... Read more