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: Jun 7, 2023
Control arms failed within 55,000 miles, shaking and dangerous conditions for a vehicle less than 5 years of age. Leaking air condition and numerous electrical issues started ironically just after the standard 35,000 bumper to bumper warranty extended. Now my car smells like coolant and worried it’s going to overheat. All my tire sensor pressure gages burn out before 50,00 0 miles and needed rep... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
On June 5th, 2023 my mother received a recall notice in the mail from Honda stating my, [XXX] ’s, car was recalled due to a chemical reaction causing aggressive rust to form under cars owned in the salt states. My car was manufactured and driven in New York prior to my ownership falling into the recalls category. I had previously had to pay out of pocket for a new catalytic converter and an oil ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a second mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numb... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
I bought my used car about 6-7 years ago. The transmission leaks. I had it supposedly fixed 3 tims and yet it still leaks. Was there a recall on the transmissions for that year 2005?
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
The contact owns a 1999 Cherverolt Silverado equipped with tire band Cooper tire line Discoverer HTP tire size 235/70R16 DOT not available. The contact noticed that the front driver-side tire had a sidewall compound on it. The contact added air to the tire, but the sidewall compound was still on the tire. The tire was not replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of a misfire in cylinder #2. The dealer reset the warning light however, the warning light returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the ignition coil was replaced; however, the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The contact replaced the battery. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
I took car to dealership for recall repair (3) one of which was for front sub-frame corrision While it was there thet called Me and said that the rear sub-frame was rausted so bad it was unsafe to drive and that it would cost $4600 to fix it. It seems to Me if You aknowledge a corrision problem in the front then You would accept responsibility for rear. Mazda said that They would have fixed it i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
When going from stop light, car died in middle of intersection. Couldn’t get it started. Had it towed to dealership.Dealer did diagnostics and couldn’t find any issue. Drove car home. Turned it off. The car would not restart. Had it towed back to dealership. Not sure if it’s starter, alternator, auto engine stop features. Battery seems to be Gett drained. Danger is that the car randomly dies... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
I purchased the vehicle in 2015, and a few months ago I started having issues with the steering wheel, as well as an error message with the airbag. More recently, I am experiencing issues with my ignition switch, and after doing some research I’m seeing that many people who drive the mage and model of my vehicle are experiencing issues with their ignition switch suddenly going out. I’ve been q... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
This vehicle starts glitching after exposure to rain. All of the gauges start going up and down, and every action required message pops up one after the other stating "Fuel Level Low, Shift to Park, Park Assist Off, All Wheel Drive System, Service Power Steering, ESC". The vehicle does this while driving at low to high speeds, even on the highways it has happened, the brakes are hard to push in wh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Latitude Tour, Tire Size: P265/70/R16, DOT Number: APJ6001X1814. The contact stated he was informed at a State Inspection that the vehicle had failed the inspection because there was a large crack in the tread of all four tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
My local Jeep dealership in Hampton, Va (Winners Circle) believes the ABS control module has failed. While in drive my Jeep would not move forward, the hazard lights would not turn on, the analog speedometer failed to display speed, and power steering is lost. Several lights are illuminated: check engine light, service electronic stability control, and service shifter. The shop foreman (Ryan) and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
When vehicle becomes disabled due to an an electrical or mechanical issue there is no way to put the transmission into neutral. Due to the vehicle having an electric shift mechanism, when there is an electrical issue with the vehicle it can’t be shifted into neutral to push or tow the vehicle. For some unknown reason, GM did not provide an emergency transmission shift override system. My previou... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The contact owned a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop at a red light, an abnormally loud noise was heard coming from the vehicle, and then black smoke came from underneath the driver's side hood. Additionally, a fuel odor was detected while driving. No warning light was illuminated. The contact parked and exited the vehicle with two minor passengers whil... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V181000 (Trailer Hitches) 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribut... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking from the front driver’s side windshield. The contact also stated that several months later, she became aware that the front passenger’s side windshield was leaking. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair, but no further assistance was provided... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact had the battery replaced, but the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The fai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2019
On 7/8/23 while taking a trip to North Carolina the AC unit stopped working. I was struggling to do anything and making a rattling noise. This occurred from 7am-3pm. We had shut the vehicle off many times to see if that would allow the AC to begin working normally again and it did nothing until 3pm.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
While driving vehicle shuts off unexpectedly, with steering wheel losing power steering. It will then have trouble starting again. Turning on and off by itself. It will then work just fine after 15-20 minutes.. It has been doing this every few months for a couple years now. I have taken to dealer a couple times, and they have had me change battery initially. But can’t give me a reason why it kee... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
ABS dash light illuminated. "Service Electronic Braking System" message. ABS, Traction Control, and Cruise Control disabled, while driving. Repair shop indicates faulty ABS Module/Control Unit. This part is widely known to be faulty on this year/make/model. Part also extremely backordered and not available for replacement or repair. The replacement part has been redesigned/updated - yet no recal... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving on the highway I had the Check Engine light come on. After approximately 5 minutes, while accelerating, all the system lights flashed, and then turned off. The engine stalled and the vehicle was coasting. I pulled the vehicle to the side of the road, and though the vehicle had power, the engine would not start. I towed the vehicle to a mechanic who told me the engine could not be s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
I was driving to work, rpm’s suddenly started to surge. Pulled up to a stop light to get off the road and vehicle stopped in the middle of the intersection and would not move except in reverse. Other vehicles(semis) had to brake hard and go around me. Called Nissan and they said they couldn’t do anything since it is at 120k miles and I feel they are 100% liable since there was a class action f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
Truck has only 65, 000 miles on it, I’m the second buyer, has never haul anything or hitch a trailer, I’m having this electrical brake system failure ABS, this vehicle is to expensive and new to have early issues on it. ABS Motor Control- General Electric failure. I seem other similar problems reported with same year and same problems.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
My car has been shaking on acceleration but no engine light or any warning popped up. When I called an Acura dealership, they said they would have trouble diagnosing the problem without a light on. A few days later, while accelerating on the highway, my car started shaking violently and lost power. The engine light started flashing. I could have gotten into an accident because I could no longe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
My car has been shaking on acceleration but no engine light or any warning popped up. When I called an Acura dealership, they said they would have trouble diagnosing the problem without a light on. A few days later, while accelerating on the highway, my car started shaking violently and lost power. The engine light started flashing. I could have gotten into an accident because I could no longe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
My radio/stereo/speakers introduced an extremely loud "pop" noise, or "banging" noise. It was reminiscent to my time overseas in the military and gunfire. It was extremely startling and hurtful to all three passengers in my vehicle, including myself, my spouse, and my 2-year-old child. This is a recurring issue as of now, and many others are complaining about the same issue happening to them.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
My radio/stereo/speakers introduced an extremely loud "pop" noise, or "banging" noise. It was reminiscent to my time overseas in the military and gunfire. It was extremely startling and hurtful to all three passengers in my vehicle, including myself, my spouse, and my 2-year-old child. This is a recurring issue as of now, and many others are complaining about the same issue happening to them.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving, the front passenger headrest just deployed and sprung forward, hitting my son in the back of the head
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving, the front passenger headrest just deployed and sprung forward, hitting my son in the back of the head
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Power steering went out after a repair to the transmission control module.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
I was driving down the highway at about 75 miles an hour and the vehicle slipped gears likely down to 1st. The rear wheels locked and the vehicle jolted almost as if I had run into something. After that it carried on normally. There were no indicator lights or errors that popped up. It came completely without warning. I took the vehicle in to a local mechanic. They serviced the transmission but di... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2021
My brake vacuum pump seized while driving in the far left lane on the freeway. My car began to lose power and my rpms dropped and rose back up quickly making my car lunge forward and back quickly multiple times. My check engine light came on and a warning saying my engine was losing power flashed across the dash.I exited the freeway and pulled over to a safe location, when attempting to stop my ca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2021
I was using my cruze control on the interstate in the rain when I heard dings from my dash and kicked my Cruze control off. It said service electronics breaking system and service abs system. It flashed my abs light and my traction control light. It cause my truck to start sliding and luckily no one was close to me and I was able to gather it up but my brakes did not feel right. From my researc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal more forcefully and the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic replaced the coolant reservoir cap. Several months later, the warning light re-appeared, and the contact topped off the coolant level and the warning light disappeared. Recently... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
I'm emailing due to issues with my 2023 Cross Sport I purchased. It's a dire situation, as I had issues with my 2021 Cross Sport and VW ended up repurchasing the vehicle from me due a number of safety concerns. During my search for a new vehicle, I could not find anything that I liked so I ended up contacting Hawk VW in Joliet, IL to ask about the new 2023 Cross Sport and asked if they were aware ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
Lane departure braking mechanism has become faulty. Over the last 2 weeks, I've had 2 incidents that could have resulted in a rear end crash, bodily injury or death, when the lane departure caused BRAKE to flash on the dashboard and the automatic system caused the Pilot to temporarily hard brake in the middle of the freeway. I reported this to POWAY Honda during my last visit, but they ignored t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
The front dash is cracking all across the the cab. The sharp points are so pointed that if the airbags are deployed it will cause cuts and possibly damage a person eyes
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
while driving, with the audio system off, suddenly I heard a loud explosion. next I heard what sounded like class breaking. I thought i was involved in an accident and slammed on my brakes. Realizing I was ok, the next thought that came to mind was that someone shot at me. The crackling sounds ( like glass breaking did not stop). i drive directly to a ford dealership. they heard and acknowledged ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
while driving, with the audio system off, suddenly I heard a loud explosion. next I heard what sounded like class breaking. I thought i was involved in an accident and slammed on my brakes. Realizing I was ok, the next thought that came to mind was that someone shot at me. The crackling sounds ( like glass breaking did not stop). i drive directly to a ford dealership. they heard and acknowledged ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Another ICCU / fuse failure......At 17,000 miles, I heard a popping sound and the Check Electrical System" warning came up on the dash. I pulled over and checked the menus on screen but could not find any way to check my electrical system. I pulled back on the road and within a mile the dash displayed a message to "Stop Vehicle.....speed was reduced to about 20 mph and I limped a few hundred yards... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
We have experienced several episodes of the car suddenly breaking for no reason when using cruise control. The speed is very quickly reduced a good 15 mph without warning.this is not only very alarming as drivers/passengers but it is incredibly dangerous. If there was a car following closely behind us, they would have hit us.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
While driving the front end suspension slips, bounces up and down very harshly, tires slip, squeak, and slide in an hard to control way, sometimes into oncoming traffic when in slightly damp conditions an on roads with any amount of bumps, to the point that I need to drive extremely slow to avoid danger which in turn puts my and my passengers and my kids in danger by goin to slow in regards to the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
For the second year in a row, we took a rock to our windshield from a truck and had to have the windshield replaced. The problem seems to be the bad mudflaps on especially semi-trucks or other trucks. Many trucks are missing the mudflaps or they are so thin, they blow upward by the wind. In reviewing semi's passing me, I did see an Amazon truck go by that had a AeroFlap mudflap that stayed down... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
After driving on an Interstate Highway for approximately 2 hours I exited and brought the vehicle to a complete stop at a stop sign while preparing to turn right onto a busy 2-lane road. I applied moderate gas pedal pressure and the vehicle momentarily accelerated and moved forward but then the engine stalled as the transmission was attempting to shift automatically from 1st to 2nd gear. The veh... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
After a check engine light came on, vehicle was brought to local Ford dealership. After the problem was diagnosed it was determined that there was a defect in the engine that resulted in coolant leaking into the cylinders. There are currently 8 TSB's regarding this issue and a pending class action law suit. We are now currently responsible for replacing the entire engine at a cost of almost 9,0000... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The underbody frame is 95% rusted out, this vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I could have been fatally injured, not knowing the under frame was gone, until vehicle was taken in for new tires. The vehicle was inspected by Firestone tire and Gene Butman Ford. There were no warning messages and the problem was first noticed in 2019 and was told the vehicle was unsafe to drive, a haz... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
Hyundai corporate's engines on some vehicles has oil dissipating out of thin air. 2 to 3 quarts of oil can vanish between regular interval oil changes. Hyundai is lying saying that this is "normal." It is not. The other issue is the oil indicator light may just pop on and off but it does not stay on when the vehicle has several quarts of oil that dissipated not warning the driver they have a seri... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
Hyundai corporate's engines on some vehicles has oil dissipating out of thin air. 2 to 3 quarts of oil can vanish between regular interval oil changes. Hyundai is lying saying that this is "normal." It is not. The other issue is the oil indicator light may just pop on and off but it does not stay on when the vehicle has several quarts of oil that dissipated not warning the driver they have a seri... Read more