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: Aug 29, 2020
The area in the dash where the passenger airbag is contained recently got two Cracks along the edges of the airbag compartment as if the airbag tried to go off and didn't. There was no collision, the dash just cracked. The very next day the airbag light came on and had been on ever since. This seems to be a common problem. With. These cars. Hyundai needs to step it up
Incident date: Aug 29, 2020
HCU failure causing abs faults and traction control faults, intermittently. Part required is not available and dealerships Say this is an ongoing issue with these trucks. Just hit 50,000 miles on vehicle, changed front brakes, Rotors and pads as well as the front Wheel Speed Sensors.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Many incidents have occurred with this vehicle. First occurrence happened 11/25/21. Attempting to pass another vehicle and the car began slowing down and various warnings came on. Pulled off to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle and restarted without any further incident. This same thing happened 2 times in 12/2021 both time attempting to pass another vehicle. 2nd time in December the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Many incidents have occurred with this vehicle. First occurrence happened 11/25/21. Attempting to pass another vehicle and the car began slowing down and various warnings came on. Pulled off to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle and restarted without any further incident. This same thing happened 2 times in 12/2021 both time attempting to pass another vehicle. 2nd time in December the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
As I was entering a covered parking structure, I came to a complete stop at the entrance of the gate to obtain my parking ticket. I was driving very slow less than 5 mph, and engaged the brakes as to stop to get my parking ticket before entering the parking garage. I have my foot on the brake pedal, I am at a complete stop of 0mph for several seconds now, and suddenly the engine revved and my car ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
My check airbag light came on. Also, when I'm driving, my car stalls in the middle of the road and is unable to move, and it keeps doing that. And it does not have a check engine light, but it keeps stalling.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
POWER STEERING IS LOCKING UP, NOT WANTING TO TURN.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The steering wheels started to get hard. The car warned me to stop safely. It was to hard that I couldn't do much to turn the steering wheels.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
2021 I was involved in a collision on the highway and my airbag did not deploy but airbag light remained on dash board even after repairing clockspring and attempting to reset airbag.
Crash
Incident date: May 6, 2023
When i was driving in highway, all of a sudden gas paddle stop working no matter how hard i press it is not taking gas paddle and not picking up speed. I was panicking, lucky nobody behind me. Nothing bad happen, but this is very dangerous in my opinion.
Incident date: May 6, 2023
2016 Kia Sorento suddenly without any warning lights started losing power while driving on busy intersection. Vehicle dies, have towed, they say looks like there was no oil despite fairly recent oil change and without oil light popping up. Mechanic states it was ok for now but would need to start thinking about a new engine. Pick up vehicle and it didn’t even make it home before it lost power in... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the "Check High beam Assist System" and "Check Lane Departure System" messages were displayed. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was di... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
I was maneuvering to park my car in a parking lot. Driving down the traffic lane of the parking lot, I slowed, braked and turned left 90 degrees into the parking space with my foot still on the brake. I reached the end of the parking space and prepared to shut the engine down. I remember looking at the shift console to find the park button when the car bolted forward. The car went over the concret... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while reversing at 2 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced and reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made awa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
09/09/2015 LIEN REPORTED. ORIGINAL COLOR IS MOLTEN PEARL. NOW IS SILVER. - NOT IN THE RECORD. (BMW-BARRINGTON) VIN# [XXX] TITLE [XXX] WANT TO BUY THIS CAR. THE PRICE IS $33000. THIS IS VIOLATION. PLEASE HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
Transmission problems. Had to replace at 95,000 miles. Seeing problems online with same GM pickups with less miles and transmissions going out. General Motors has a problem and not addressing it.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
NHTSA - I own a 2016 Kia Soul that has a damaged failing engine; the problem is excessive oil consumption. This defect is causing motor oil to migrate into areas of the engine that it shouldn't be, thus inevitably causing a catastrophic failure; rendering the engine inoperable and irreparable. The oil pressure warning light came on only after the damage was done. Horne Kia in Gilbert Arizona, wher... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Driving at 70mph on Interstate 69 near Charlotte Michigan at around 10 pm on Wednesday 8/23/2023. Passenger side front tire suddenly deflated. Limped the SUV into a store parking lot at interchange. Continental 235/65R18 106H tire was changed by road side service and spare installed. This morning , while examining tire and rim , found two long radial cracks approximately 50 to 75 mm in length on t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Vehicle was purchased in Feb 2022. At around 4500 miles a low coolant level alert came on the dashboard. I checked the coolant level and saw that it was low with signs of leaking. Purchased coolant from VW dealer and topped off. Brakes make a metallic scraping/grinding sound when coming to a stop downhill at a slow speed. Vehicle runs loud and slow. Feels like engine airflow is obstructed, but i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel made a low winding sound. The vehicle lost power steering functionality without warning. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle to regain power steering functionality. The failure occurred 3 times. The contact stated that her spouse replaced the power steering pump. The contact learn... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Shortly after entering the freeway on August 18, 2023, my vehicle experienced a powertrain malfunction and displayed a Service Vehicle Soon warning light along with a vehicle with an exclamation point light and a wrench light. Motive power was reduced. I received a Diagnostic Test Code of P0ADA, indicating that there was a hybrid powertrain fault. The dealer has confirmed the code and is ordering ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
My engine failed while my wife and I were riding in the vehicle, putting our safety at risk.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
While driving with the adaptive cruise control engaged, the car has suddenly braked (hard) when the associate optical system encountered a shadow or some anomaly on the road ahead. This "phantom braking" has occurred numerous times on our vehicle, and speaking with our son who also has a Tesla Model Y, he has experienced the same behavior. To date, I have not contacted Tesla, due to the intermit... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
I was notified that my vehicle has a recall on the brake booster. My inspection was scheduled August 10, 2023 and I was advised that my vehicle was in fact a vehicle that had a defective part. The dealership has advised me that they can not provide a repair date for the recall because of parts being on back order. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle. I hear unsafe sounds coming from the brake b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly became extremely difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The mechanic determined that the rear suspension had a neg... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander under 34000 miles. Front wheel bearings gave out. Mitsubishi services stated they are defective and Nissan parts. They replaced them under warranty. All 4 manufacture tires are worn out at 34000 miles. Had another computer issue. ABS Warning came on while driving. Took took Mitsubishi service, they stated a module had to be exchanged. Again car is fairly new. Under 34... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that after the dealer had completed the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software update under Hyundai Campaign Number: 966, the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. Additionally, the vehicle failed to exceed 35-40 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was dete... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Began to receive error messages stating "Front Camera Fault" and "Forward Collision Detection Fault". For a while it fixed on its own, then the messages started to become more and more frequent until now the error messages come up every time we turn on the car. With the malfunction that is happening with front camera and collision detection, it prevents cruise control from being used (which is ada... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Began to receive error messages stating "Front Camera Fault" and "Forward Collision Detection Fault". For a while it fixed on its own, then the messages started to become more and more frequent until now the error messages come up every time we turn on the car. With the malfunction that is happening with front camera and collision detection, it prevents cruise control from being used (which is ada... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Began to receive error messages stating "Front Camera Fault" and "Forward Collision Detection Fault". For a while it fixed on its own, then the messages started to become more and more frequent until now the error messages come up every time we turn on the car. With the malfunction that is happening with front camera and collision detection, it prevents cruise control from being used (which is ada... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
I was driving down highway and saw a wall of cars and brake lights in the distance, so naturally my foot tried to push the brakes. The pedal was hard, and I panicked because my tahoe was not stopping at all! I continued to stomp on brake pedal all the way until my car actually hit 3 vehicles and then the guardrail! My brakes did not work , because if they did then I would have easily prevented th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
I was driving down highway and saw a wall of cars and brake lights in the distance, so naturally my foot tried to push the brakes. The pedal was hard, and I panicked because my tahoe was not stopping at all! I continued to stomp on brake pedal all the way until my car actually hit 3 vehicles and then the guardrail! My brakes did not work , because if they did then I would have easily prevented th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
I was driving down highway and saw a wall of cars and brake lights in the distance, so naturally my foot tried to push the brakes. The pedal was hard, and I panicked because my tahoe was not stopping at all! I continued to stomp on brake pedal all the way until my car actually hit 3 vehicles and then the guardrail! My brakes did not work , because if they did then I would have easily prevented th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. Upon attempting to drive the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the cam phasers. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
Car will not start properly and shuts itself off after which a strong odor of burning plastic is present in the vehicle. It will periodically do this almost once a day if not every other day. I have taken it in to the dealer 4 times last time they had my car for two weeks and could not replicate porblem because they only drive it 5 miles and it will not happen unless vehicle is being daily driven.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Last week, my wife was picking up our 2 year old son from daycare in our 2020 Honda Pilot. She secured him in his car seat and placed her purse with the Honda key fob on the back seat and closed the door. The car somehow locked itself between the time she closed the door and attempted opening the front door, leaving my son locked in the back seat. The key fob battery had just recently been replace... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Model Y Battery Problem. The battery died while my baby was inside the car. Phone app, remote control, key card, etc. did not work. We live in Las Vegas & August is very hot. Today is Sunday and nobody in Las Vegas was able to help. Customer Service took over 30 minutes just to connect, and was no help. I got transferred around numerous times because they have no solution. The frustrating part wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Owner's ford bronco 2022 continues to exhibit unsafe behavior: where after entering 4L, reversing and then moving forward (manual transmission), the rear camera will not disable until the vehicle is shut off. Despite active recall sent from Ford (in post card) as well as present on NHTSA on this vehicle (ford bronco 2022) after reaching the dealership in person, calling ford headquarters. Ford mo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The roof on outside is starting to flake off in chunks and expose bottom layers.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I was making a left turn and something under my feet or floorboard a loud crack. then as i completed the turn there was a continue cracking sound until I stop. I looked for a problem, finding nothing obvious. As I drove off there was a noticeable knocking sound. Did not notice and different in the driving except a slight drift to the left, there is more knocking on rough roads. My 2020 Ram 2500 t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
I was involved in an accident last year where I took out a gaurd rail next to a building. My air bags never deployed and now my car will not run.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
We were having issues with our transmission shifting very abruptly and making a clunking noise back in late June 2023. This was occurring as my wife was traveling out of state for a funeral to Michigan. We were able to drop the vehicle off at a certified mechanic in Ohio, and were told that they were metal shavings inside the transmission. The vehicle sat there for several weeks, waiting on a new/... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
We were having issues with our transmission shifting very abruptly and making a clunking noise back in late June 2023. This was occurring as my wife was traveling out of state for a funeral to Michigan. We were able to drop the vehicle off at a certified mechanic in Ohio, and were told that they were metal shavings inside the transmission. The vehicle sat there for several weeks, waiting on a new/... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
auto start/stop completely shuts car off and forces you to put car in P and hit the start button. creates a dangerous situation at intersections.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
THE COMPUTER FUSE FOR THE FUEL PUMP HAS BLOWN THREE FUSES AND 2 FUEL PUMPS WITHIN 12,000 MILES.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The “service electronic braking system” light is on, also the “service antilock brake system” light is on as well.This causes the ABS, traction control, or cruise control to not work The truck has 49,000 miles
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Genesis GV70. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power however, the contact was able to safely coast to the side of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The failure persisted with the vehicle jerking and losing motiv... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
My car's automatic emergency brake is deploying without warning, during driving, when there are no other cars in my forward proximity. I took it to the dealership to have it fixed, and on the drive home, it did it again. There is a recall for similar makes and models for this year, but my car has not been included.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
My car's automatic emergency brake is deploying without warning, during driving, when there are no other cars in my forward proximity. I took it to the dealership to have it fixed, and on the drive home, it did it again. There is a recall for similar makes and models for this year, but my car has not been included.