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: Jul 1, 2023
UNKNOWN. AC stopped working. According to repair shop, alternator belt sliced through the aluminum housing tube and Freon cannot be recharged . It needs total rebuild/reroute of AC tubing as The position and location of alternator belt is too close to the aluminum housing/tubing for cooling system. This is a bad build/design. When it’s really hot outside this is very dangerous for all passengers... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The vehicle consistently alerts with service trailer brake system warnings and has progressively become more of a frequent problem with the system doing it constantly even when no trailer is being towed This has been occurring since time of purchase in March 2021 when we purchased the vehicle and has become consistently more frequent over time
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
I have previously filed complaint on this vehicle with no satisfaction. I have a Lincoln 2015 MKZ. This vehicle has a low front end clearance which I believe to be a serious safety concern. The front bumper is only 7 1/2 inches off the ground. Most cars are at least 9 plus inches off the ground. This car can not traverse any type of graded driveway or access road. The front bumper constantly ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
I was driving with my child on the highway when the car started to lose power, it felt like something was pulling us the opposite direction. The car began to shake and buck when the check engine light started flashing. The car started to make load terrible noise. I needed to get off the highway it was very dangerous as the speed on the highway is 55mph and I was driving 40 mph when this happened ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted from 6th to 1st gear. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral and coasted to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and regained proper function. The contact stated that the turn signal was also blinking abnormally. Additionally, the s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "power steering assist fault" message was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was firm however, the contact was able to steer the vehicle off the highway and stopped in a parking lot. The contact stated that the turn signals became inoperable. The contact shifted the turn signal hand... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 confirms ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
2017 Escape 2.0: Ongoing issue with check engine light coming on and running rough. Had issues with traffic with engine suddenly stop running. I am concerned for myself and safety of my daughter. Took to first place and they replaced spark plugs and coil packs. Issue came right back running rough and check engine light back on. Took to Ford dealer to be diagnosed. They found coolant in cylinder. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced, and the power steering gear ne... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Eight months ago I got a "Service Electronic Braking System" warning in the Instrument Cluster. After a brief Google search it was evident that this was a common issue on these RAM trucks. After some diagnostics I determined the ABS Module and/or the HCU to be faulty. After 3 months of calling Ram dealerships in nearly every state I was finally able to locate a new ABS Module, but the HCU has b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
Cylinder head inside the engine has a Crack with antifreeze leaking into the engine. I had been driving the car prior to being able to make an appointment at the dealership. Luckily there was not a crash due to this.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
Cylinder head inside the engine has a Crack with antifreeze leaking into the engine. I had been driving the car prior to being able to make an appointment at the dealership. Luckily there was not a crash due to this.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
Engine began smoking while driving without warning. Driver looked at gauges, saw that everything looked normal, then pulled over and exited vehicle. Shortly thereafter (within 15 minutes,) front end of vehicle burned and melted. Vehicle is currently in possession of insurance company for inspection. Car had overheated 2 years before this incident. New thermostat had been installed at that time. Ca... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
I bought a Honda CR-V 2019 with 30,695 miles on 7/22/2022 from an authorized dealer. Vehicle had 1 previous owner and a clean record. At around 50,000 miles the car started to have some computer glitches. Interior lights and radio turning on and off. Interior screen changing randomly and rapidly between functions. Nothing to where I was too concerned. I would turn the car on and off and it would f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
I bought a Honda CR-V 2019 with 30,695 miles on 7/22/2022 from an authorized dealer. Vehicle had 1 previous owner and a clean record. At around 50,000 miles the car started to have some computer glitches. Interior lights and radio turning on and off. Interior screen changing randomly and rapidly between functions. Nothing to where I was too concerned. I would turn the car on and off and it would f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
I bought a Honda CR-V 2019 with 30,695 miles on 7/22/2022 from an authorized dealer. Vehicle had 1 previous owner and a clean record. At around 50,000 miles the car started to have some computer glitches. Interior lights and radio turning on and off. Interior screen changing randomly and rapidly between functions. Nothing to where I was too concerned. I would turn the car on and off and it would f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
Steering wheel locked up suddenly on the freeway. Once it started working again, and I continue to drive, it did the same thing and entire engine shut off in the middle of intersection, as well as steering wheel locking up. Car has not turned on since.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
My sunroof shade is stuck open which makes my extremely hot . I’ve been burned twice by my seat . My car has 93,000 miles .
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Computer will suddenly error out and cruise control, AEB, forward collision warnings, and lane keep assist are not available. A warning "cruise control unavailable" shows if you attempt to engage autopilot or FSD. No forward collision warnings, no auto slowing down. Not docked for close following. No visualizations made. Not resolved with soft or hard reboot. Sometimes will randomly will allo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
My car had a CVT drivetrain recall which has been labeled as "repaired" because I brought it to the dealer, however, the issue still exists and my car has been to the dealer 5 times already concerning this recall. The symptoms of the CVT drive train that I am experiencing are: shuddering (dealership vocabulary) at approximately 20 mph (approximately 1500-2000 rpm). The issue has gotten worse beca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
Message comes up to "Service electronic braking system." Code found was C0020-01 (ABS pump motor failure). Couldn't order part due to engineering review. Truck only has 20,400 miles. This part cannot be worn out. Should be a safety recall.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
am writing to report a critical safety issue with my 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid's ABS module. The problems I've encountered include failing ABS modules, weak braking, VSC light illumination, a ringing sound, and occasional brake failure, requiring excessive force to regain control. This ABS module problem is alarmingly common in Toyota Camry Hybrids from 2007 to 2011. Repair costs are exorbitant, an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
The rear door jammed shut. It would not open and we discovered there is no mechanical way for a passenger to open the back doors of a Tesla model 3. The car’s electrical system has to be on and functioning properly in order to exit from the back. This is terrifying.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
2013 ford explorer. Was driving vehicle at low speed steering wheel became very hard to turn. No warning lights on. Called Ford recall phone number no assistance available was told my vehicle was not included in power steering failure recall.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Corsair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention) and 23V380000 (Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made awar... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Recently my screen has not been working in the car. When I took it to the car dealership they said it was the APIM and it is 1400. They said they have had to order about 35 of them in the past month with cars having the same issue. If this is the case then a recall should be considered due to the price that is associated with this part
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Recently my screen has not been working in the car. When I took it to the car dealership they said it was the APIM and it is 1400. They said they have had to order about 35 of them in the past month with cars having the same issue. If this is the case then a recall should be considered due to the price that is associated with this part
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
Unintended car acceleration, with complete brake failure. No software warning icons in dash, no collision avoidance or ABS triggered even though car so equipped. Crashed into rear end of stationery vehicle,. [XXX] , MN police were called. Incident report # attached. (1st image) Western National Insurance Co. notified.Claim # attached (2nd image) Car will be inspected @ BMW dealership in Bloomin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
I noticed some staining in my vehicle head liner and a nasty musky smell about an hour after I washed my vehicle. I do know there is a recall on the third brake high stop lamp for same model different Vin associated. My vehicle has the same problem and this can cause malfunctioning to the rear of the vehicle due to the water leaking into the car and on the wiring ov the vehicle. Seats get wet, hea... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
My vehicle was parked next to a fire hydrant and when i returned to the vehicle none of the warning cameras or alerts was able to pick up the object. There seems to be a glitch when the vehicle is turned completely off and then restarted with a small object in the blind spot.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
My vehicle was parked next to a fire hydrant and when i returned to the vehicle none of the warning cameras or alerts was able to pick up the object. There seems to be a glitch when the vehicle is turned completely off and then restarted with a small object in the blind spot.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owned a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the odometer became inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH in the rain, the front and side sensors started beeping and the automatic headlights turned off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster nee... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
Dealer advised it is a bracket inside the door that has broken, possibly due to broken welds holding said bracket. The Dealer advised that this is an unfixable issue, and the entire door needs replaced. If it is not fixed, the dealer said it will cause other issues with the door, possibly leaving it inoperable. Dealer also confirmed this is a very common issue with this model and that it is not... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
The exhaust manifolds have cracked. This can lead to dangerous fumes getting into cab and extra pollutants to the atmosphere. It can also cause premature engine failure which could be deadly if it happens while driving. This is a known defect with this engine. Thank you
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
I was driving the car without any issue or problem. All of a sudden the sunroof glass shuttered. It sounded like a blast. When I stopped the car, the sunroof was broken to small pieces.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
My dashboard is cracked severely, which can ultimately make my airbag release at any time. It shakes while driving pretty bad
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
My dashboard is cracked severely, which can ultimately make my airbag release at any time. It shakes while driving pretty bad
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Greetings, There is day time dash dimming issues, and unable to adjust manually. Anti collision feature randomly turns off while driving. Auto on and off feature for fuel economy has not worked in 14 months. Finally, a hard gear jerking event occurs when traveling at slow speed that feels like being rear ended by another vehicle. Not feeling safe with this Jeep. Dealer had the vehicle for week to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
Bought replacement brake pads from RockAuto 07/08/2023 9:06PM order 244457897 that are supposed to be Bosch BSH BC702 ceramic. What arrived is unbranded, unnumbered tag torn off the box with no identifiers at all. All brake pads used should have numbers to identify street legal for use but these have NOTHING on them, the box, anything. Unsafe if cannot identify use. RockAuto wants me to pay for r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
Coolant has leaked into a cylinder of the engine. The engine needs to be replaced. Lose of coolant did not trigger a warning. Luckily the engine did not catch on fire.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
Transmission failure while at high speed on an interstate highway resulted in disengagement, immediate deceleration and limited steerage in an area with limited breakdown lane. Subaru reports this is a known issue for which they extended warranty but it is incomplete and does not include any safety check prior to failure!
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The engine of my car is consuming several quarts of oil between oil changes. I have read that this is a common problem with some models of Hyundia vehicles. I have also read that this defect has led to engine failures and possibly fires.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
Death wobble. First experience was September 2019
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
I have to turn on my car start driving it no more than like 15 to 10 mph and then it shakes it jerks and cut off and it does that repeatedly until I pass second gear
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Exhaust Muffler/Resonator leaking causing loud exhaust. Need to replace resonator back with muffler and clamps.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
Vehicle begins to sputter and doesn’t want to accelerate. This usually occurs on the highway. Pulling over and turning the car off “resets it” sometimes. Vehicle is less than a year old with 26k mi on it. When the vehicle experiences these episodes I have to gradually use the accelerator, vehicle does not like fast acceleration when it’s going through one of these episodes. Check engine li... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lights) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
Unknown cause of issue. Vehicle states a notice to “Shift to Park” after it has already been shifted in to park and prompted to turned off. The electricity in the vehicle will not shut off until the notice disappears which doesn’t happen unless the button on the shifter is pressed multiple times. This issue will cause the battery to die in the vehicle if not treated, which in turn, will lea... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
Unknown cause of issue. Vehicle states a notice to “Shift to Park” after it has already been shifted in to park and prompted to turned off. The electricity in the vehicle will not shut off until the notice disappears which doesn’t happen unless the button on the shifter is pressed multiple times. This issue will cause the battery to die in the vehicle if not treated, which in turn, will lea... Read more