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 19, 2023
In March my driver’s side door starting popping or squeaking. I thought my door needed oil. I didn’t call the dealership because was going on vacation and was going to get it oiled when I returned since my car would just be in the garage. I came home mid April and it was much worse. I was finally able to get in and told it is SSM50150 and that the weld broke and my door needed replaced. My car... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
The vehicle shakes violently (Death Wobble) when the front wheels hit an uneven highway bridge transition or a large bump in the road causing the truck cab and steering wheel to shake uncontrollably. The truck sometimes veers to the left or right a little bit depending on the position of the wheels when the death wobble begins. I have taken the vehicle back to the dealer three times and the probl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
After purchasing my truck, it was discovered that the back up camera doesn't work. It will work on occasion when the truck is put in reverse. The safety for myself or others is that I cannot see behind me when backing up. I have not taken the vehicle in for an inspection since I have been told that this is an issue for other Ford F150's in the same year. When backing up my screen says camera n... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2017
After purchasing my truck, it was discovered that the back up camera doesn't work. It will work on occasion when the truck is put in reverse. The safety for myself or others is that I cannot see behind me when backing up. I have not taken the vehicle in for an inspection since I have been told that this is an issue for other Ford F150's in the same year. When backing up my screen says camera n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
BFG Advantage Control P235/40R19 Tire Sidewall has a bulge as well as a crack in the bulge. Noticed while I was walking past tire. If this wasn’t seen before hand the possibility of an accident could’ve occurred.
Incident date: May 2, 2023
On the morning of November 4, 2021, at 6:15 a.m., driver was driving to her job as a shuttle driver. She made no stops on her way to work. At approximately 6:30 a.m, drive exited South Padre Island Drive off of Nile Road in her silver 2018 Toyota RAV-4. As she exited the freeway, her car’s console screen went blank, all electricity to the car cut out, and the engine shut off. The car restarted... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 2, 2023
I bought my Ford Ecosport June 30th 2022 with 33k miles. On March 30th 2023 coolant leaked into the cylinder head resulting in a blown gasket. This was very unexpected as the car showed no signs of any issues at all up until the day of. I was driving the car to get an oil change and brakes checked. The car began to over heat and notify me that the engine was reducing power due to it's overheating.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
All wheel drive(AWD) warning light illuminates. 9482 miles have been driven on the vehicle. This has happened 5 times in the last week, April 25th- May 1st 2023. The vehicle was taken to the Genesis dealer on the 1st of May 2023. I was informed by the service department that several components related to the differential system and parts were ordered. Relief valve, actuator assembly, pressure se... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The drive side airbag where the seatbelt is connected is coming out.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I purchased this 2020 Ford Explorer ST, used while still under factory warranty. Within a week or two the IPMB module started malfunctioning, this affects all of the safety systems to include reverse brake assist, lane keeping assist, rear view camera and more. I have had the vehicle in two different dealerships over 9 times in the 15 months I have owned this suv, and within days of the problem be... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I am writing to complain about the windshield pillar trim. I just had my left trim fly off while doing 80mph down the interstate. This already happened to my right side last year. This is a safety issue. It could have possibly hit a windshield of a car behind me and caused an accident. I have seen other complaints about this same issue. Can you please do something? I can't afford to keep buying af... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I am writing to complain about the windshield pillar trim. I just had my left trim fly off while doing 80mph down the interstate. This already happened to my right side last year. This is a safety issue. It could have possibly hit a windshield of a car behind me and caused an accident. I have seen other complaints about this same issue. Can you please do something? I can't afford to keep buying af... Read more
BMW
230I
(2018) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
May 1, 2023
Incident date: Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was ap... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
Abs light and show it and I have proof cost back up cam don't work and going cost me more 1500.00 on the repair check and recall
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
Driving on the highway car started to make a loud noise when I tried to accelerate I couldn’t then I lost power, lucky I was near the breakdown lane. I pulled over no warning lights ever came on started up again put gear in drive and it wouldn’t move only worked in reverse. I just found out that the control module was recalled last November but I was never contacted.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
Everytime the car is filled with fuel, I smell a strong odor of gasoline for days after. The following day, my garage is so strong of fuel odor, it is almost unbearable. It seems there was a recall at one point to fix this, but I cannot find it anymore.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
The second row car seat is moving freely and not locking to the base. It had my child car seat installed. The tesla service team told the only fix is to replace the whole seat. The design does not have any backup latch to lock the seat. It’s a serious safety concern since the seat could just move out of lock while driving esp when a car seat is installed. I read this has happened to multiple car... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated, with the engine overheated message displayed. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opene... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in Autonomous Self-Driving mode driving 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop as another vehicle was approaching, causing the other vehicle to swerve. The contact stated that the vehicle responded insufficiently after the speed was set to 30 MPH. The contact then stated that a week later she received notification of ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in Autonomous Self-Driving mode driving 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop as another vehicle was approaching, causing the other vehicle to swerve. The contact stated that the vehicle responded insufficiently after the speed was set to 30 MPH. The contact then stated that a week later she received notification of ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Upon receiving the car the steering wheel never matched the way the wheels pointed. The steering wheel needed to be around 10-15 degrees to the right to go straight. After 3 wheel alignment's, the steering wheel still isn't straight to get the car to travel straight, but having to keep the wheel 3 degrees to the right is better than 10 degrees.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
Powertrain malfunctioning. The vehicle has had multiple neutral out (not reacting) when the accelerator is applied. Occurring in the middle of an intersection 3 times. Stuck in the middle of the intersection has resulted in two (2) cases of almost being hit by an oncoming vehicle. Pulling into traffic from a stop sign and losing the accelerator another time resulting in traffic breaking hard to a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
I was coming to a red light and my 2022 vehicle shut off. A message popped up on the screen and said “please restart car”. This is very dangerous as I had to put my car in park and restart the vehicle in moving traffic.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
I pulled my car out of the garage, I saw I had not taken the trash out and had my foot on brake. the car has an automatic shut off at stops to save gas. It shut off, I jumped out thinking it was "off" as there was no engine sound. The car started back up and started going forward. I attempted to jump in to hit the brakes ... it kept going and hit side mirror, door, me and then kept going! it never... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
After being parked for 4 hours the vehicle caught on fire. Burnt passengers rear corner and rear tailgate
Fire
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the brake hydraulic line needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Add... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
Did oil change. Valve cover was leaking. Put in manufacturer recommended oil. Engine chatter after oil change. Also did valve cover gaskets at said time of oil change.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
SAFTE CONCERNS: 1. Vehicle has sever severe pulsing/shaking/jerking behavior in motion. So far I have encountered this problem when the vehicle was under 20 mph; 2. Vehicle lightly pulsing/vibrating when braking and does not stop smoothly; 3. Stepping on the gas pedal for 100% acceleration, the vehicle only went up to 30~40% power. BACKGROUND: I purchased this vehicle (with 25miles shown) on 4/2... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
Service Trailer Brake System light keeps coming on even after replacing the unit it self.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
The frame has been rusting out bad for many years. My gas tank is about to fall off it is hanging down do to cross member rusting out, and shocks too. Also body is rusting bad do to not putting the right rust inhibitors in the paint and frame.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
The frame has been rusting out bad for many years. My gas tank is about to fall off it is hanging down do to cross member rusting out, and shocks too. Also body is rusting bad do to not putting the right rust inhibitors in the paint and frame.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
This is how I am feeling and the reason for being an unhappy customer. I shouldn't have to keep buying gallons of oil to put in my car every other day. Oil change was done on Sept 6th along with spark plugs put in due to oil consumption. Took my car again to Kia on Sept 21th because there was no oil in my vehicle, so they put oil in. Then on Sunday Oct 2nd I had to spend $44 on a gallon of oil be... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering, stalled, and then lost motive power. The vehicle was able to restart but was inoperable. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical Sys... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
On Aednesday April 12th, I was driving on a busy road and the car died. There was no safe place for me to pull off which had cars swerving to miss me. There was no indication of coolant level low. The car just died. After extensive research, I found out this car was part of a service action that was never performed because I wasn’t notified of it. This is very dangerous to anyone who owns a 2019... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
On Aednesday April 12th, I was driving on a busy road and the car died. There was no safe place for me to pull off which had cars swerving to miss me. There was no indication of coolant level low. The car just died. After extensive research, I found out this car was part of a service action that was never performed because I wasn’t notified of it. This is very dangerous to anyone who owns a 2019... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle momentarily shifted into neutral and failed to immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change; however, the contact stated that after the oil change was performed; while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal pop underneath the hood and then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
There has not been an accident. Hopefully it won't come to that! This needs to be addressed
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
I own a 2013 Ford Escape with EcoBoost. I bought it used about 6 years ago and it has been problematic from the start. First the engine coolant and engine light kept coming on with no noticeable leak, had it checked at Auto Zone was told it was the engine coolant bypass valve, had it replaced. The vehicle has run hot twice causing the engine to shut down on me, once on my way to work and once when... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2001 Lincoln LS. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH the contact heard an abnormal noise. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and the contact noticed the front passenger side tire had separated from the joint. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing a similar failure as NHTSA Campaign Nu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked significantly and hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving under 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would jerk while at a complete stop. The v... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
I was driving on a dry road, going 70mph when my car began flashing the abs indicator and it began breaking and controlling my steering taking me into another lane. The car slowed my vehicle suddenly down to 60 mph and then went off like it never happened. I then had control. There was no reason for the car to do this. There was nothing in the road and luckily no one was to close to me or the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
I was driving on a dry road, going 70mph when my car began flashing the abs indicator and it began breaking and controlling my steering taking me into another lane. The car slowed my vehicle suddenly down to 60 mph and then went off like it never happened. I then had control. There was no reason for the car to do this. There was nothing in the road and luckily no one was to close to me or the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
Wireless CarPlay is not operating correctly and proving to be a hazard in driving. Often times, the GPS will randomly shift the “location of the car”, making it unsafe to drive because it is off by several miles, and a distraction because the screen moves with the location ping. I’ve reported this to apple and BMW several times over the last few months since January. Attached are just three ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
Air conditioner condenser needs replaced at 24,000 miles. Mechanic says he has worked on numerous exact models / similar year with same issue. Has there been a recall?
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
Unknown The brake and gas pedal are so close to each other that when I switched from one to the other my foot scraped the brake pedal causing the car to stop or speed up. I am afraid to drive it. I paid cash($44000) for it. I notified the dealership and then had to come to the nursing home for rehab and have been unable to take it back so it’s sitting at my daughters house for over 6 mos. The de... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
I took the vehicle in for the air bag recall repair, and was informed by both the dealership and Chevy that while the cost oof replacing the air bag itself was covered under the recall, any damage to the dash or other parts of the vehicle that must to be removed to replace the air bag would NOT be covered under the recall. This policy is deplorable and immoral, and possibly illegal, but I confirme... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Having difficulties to get our vehicle repaired by Ford Motor Company. Two out of three Safety Recalls for our car have not been solved. Attempts for arranging services have been made through online scheduling at our local dealership, as well as through contacting them by phone at different times, but still no final solution is been granted. First, DOOR LATCHES: Manufacturer Recall Number 20S3 & N... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
Unable to read oil level, high or unusually alarming oil pressure. High oil pressure codes