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: Dec 15, 2022
All indicator lights on dashboard are light up. These lights are on even though there is nothing wrong with the car. I’m not able to use my emergency parking brake or parking hold. All the safety features like lane keeping assist and cruise control is not available. Replaced battery hoping it would work and no change. I plugged the car into the tester and nothing comes up. Now I can’t pass emi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
When stopped at a light the engine suddenly accelerated forcing a hard braking action to prevent an accident. after 2-3 seconds it went to idle still in gear. This has happened 3 times the third time 2 witnesses said that it was not caused by braking with their foot on the accelerator. In reviewing the three episodes I noted that the air-conditioned switch was engaged all three times when this u... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
The engine codes stated that cylinder 3 was misfiring, and all of the spark plugs were replaced. The check engine light went off for a few days and then came on with the same code. Then all of the coil packs were replaced. A few days later the engine light "coolant overheating" came on and the engine started running rough, the computer stated that it was shutting the car down to half power. There ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The headlight housing on my model year is leaking water into it and causing electrical issues , Iv noticed majority of other models I see on the road have the same issue with one of the headlight housings having water in them, this has caused numerous codes to appear on the dash. “ Vertical headlight malfunction “ …”turn signal malfunction “ …”daytime running light malfunction “ ec... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V633000 (Trailer Hitches). The dealer was notified about the recall and an appointment was made to have the wiring from the trailer hitch removed. The dealer confirmed that parts to repair the tow hitch wiring were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
I was sent a recall notice ( Z48/NHTSA 22V-426 ) and contacted the dealer to schedule. the recall is for the breaking system, and it took months to get an appointment, apparently bad breaks are not a concern? when I was finally able to get an appointment they claimed I had no recall? I described the issues to the service manager, and he said that I was experiencing the issue the recall was suppose... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the brakes failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that the brakes, ABS, traction control, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
I started my car via remote start and after entering the vehicle, I hit the start button, depressed the brake and turned the transmission to reverse. Upon rolling back, I noticed the brakes felt funny, not completely stopping me as they should with the amount of pressure I was applying. I proceeded start driving thinking the brakes my fix themselves after letting off and driving forward. I then b... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
Please cancel case #115123365, which I reported earlier today. This does not appear to be a Suburu manufacturing and/or safety defect. My report was regarding what appeared to be a problem with sudden braking without either the cruise control or the brake pedal being engaged. The tow truck driver experienced the same problem while trying to drive the car onto the tow truck platform to take it to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
My Tesla model Y reports that cameras are blocked or blinded nearly every trip. This happens day or night, and seems to be related to condensation in front of the camera. There is no other condensation in the vehicle; and there is nothing I can do to remedy this. I have brought it to the service center multiple times. On the last visit, the manager informed me that this is a known/common issue and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Hello dear….I suffer from a problem when I’m driving my truck and it’s as follows: when the gear is on D and my truck stopped ,and I stomp the gas pedal with a little force my truck keep going I can’t stopped for 40 seconds after which return to the normal driving state,this situation happened to me 5 times,I don’t know if the speed control cable can interfere with the speed control serv... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The following is an account of what happened when the SUV's brakes failed, which caused serious damage to the 2022 Hyundai Tucson (the "SUV") and also damaged two other vehicles. On February 15 in the afternoon, The SUV was traveling approximately 20-30 mph and was rolling up to a red light. There were about 6 car lengths between the SUV and the next vehicle as driver started pressing the brakes.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
OEM windshield glass is thin and defective. I’ve had to replace the windshield twice in an eight month period since purchasing the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
In the last year, randomly, when starting the vehicle, the yellow check engine light comes on. Turn the vehicle off, it is gone. The side view mirrors have the yellow lights lit up on them when driving down any road, the red warning lights that tell you there's something behind or in front of you start going off for no reason while driving down any road, all the "safety" and lane assist feature... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while making a right turn, there was a popping sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the electronic steering assist motor needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to contact a dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted, a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
My wife weights 109lbs and the passenger airbag turns off regularly. This was reported to Rivian back in July 2022 and there hasn't been a fix provided. I can share a picture of both her in the seat and the airbag light off if this is an option. I'm hearing it reported by other Rivian owners.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front collision detection sensor light illuminated and warned that the system was not functional. Additionally, the contact stated that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen and could not be removed without damaging them. The contact also stated that the oil pan was leaking. The contact had taken ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
I will be driving and next thing you know it will do a hard jerk down shift then may do it one more time then its ok. Happens least once a day almost going on 2wks. I see there is/was recall on this happening but no letter or anything was sent to me!! How can i get this fixed?
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The steering sticks in a spot while driving. You have to really pull on steering wheel which causes it to oversteer and is very dangerous especially in curves. This happens everytime the car is driven. Can be available to be inspected anytime.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
At about 115,000 miles my carefully maintained one-owner vehicle began to occasionally shudder, and then finally stalled on a couple of occassions. I found out later (after the check-engine light was activated, apparently due to a failing catalytic converter) that the shuddering, and the ruined catalytic converter, were both due to excessive oil consumption--the result of a piston ring defect that... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
At about 115,000 miles my carefully maintained one-owner vehicle began to occasionally shudder, and then finally stalled on a couple of occassions. I found out later (after the check-engine light was activated, apparently due to a failing catalytic converter) that the shuddering, and the ruined catalytic converter, were both due to excessive oil consumption--the result of a piston ring defect that... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
There were two different times my Acura 2013 ILX was involved in two different accidents and the airbags didn’t deploy. 1. Back on 4/2018 brakes didn’t respond properly, then ceased to another vehicle and airbags didn’t deployed. No major injuries, but high bills. 2. January 2019, my husband was rear ended by an Audi, was sent to the opposite side of the street, car was total loss, airbags... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
i was driving in the highway 50 mph and i was braking and my car slipped in the other line of the highway and almost had and accident !!!! and cars switched off when driving almost had incident!!!! i saw that many people have the say problem like me about rusted component please do something because people are losing their lifes.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
Rust is happening at an increasing rate on the rear wheel wells and rear lift gate.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
My 2019 Ford Expedition is experiencing engine shudder. This started about 3 weeks ago and is starting to happen more and more.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH in inclement weather, the windshield wipers were activated on high-speed but failed to operate at the highest setting. The contact stated that the windshield wiper defaulted to intermediate speed and deactivated and turned off independently on other occasions. The contact stated that there was a safety ... Read more
BMW
R1200 GS ADVENTURE
(2017) — WHEELS
Mar 14, 2023
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
Right rear axle bolt sheared. See https://www.f150forum.com/f129/2021-powerboost-rear-rotor-axle-bolt-sheared-515460
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
I purchase a bren new tondrua 2021, and sain moment q have the I realize I didn’t find the ac drain for condensed wather to drop, And then look around the car a found the cone, yes is cone, because the por desing the ac house star to have electric issue because the m wather, Toyo need to make a recol to solve this problem o ac house drain
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Steering: Car pulls to the right when travelling above 50mph. Done 4 wheels alignment at Lexus dealership already but the problem still persists. Technician said the steering rack is the problem but refused to acknowledge that it's the common issue with this car! Brakes: The 2-piece rotor makes clicking noise at low speed. the break pads make loud squeal noise every time the paddle presse... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer stated the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owned a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undetermined speed, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the PCV valve heater was melte... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer stated that the fuel control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the part to repair th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving in a car wash drive-thru line, the brakes applied independently. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated an unknown yellow and black warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she was unable to open or start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle jump started. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The first time I was on the highway and then engine just stalled out on me during rush hour traffic is was almost rear-end by a simi truck I got off the highway and get the car started and then when I was at a stop sign and I started to make my left hand turn i was about half way into my turn and it sallied out again with traffic coming from both directions and it didn't want to start thank god th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
I was driving to my parents house when suddenly a message popped up on my driver screen saying that the electrical system has a problem. Driving a little more to reach my parents house and it starts saying to stop and check power supply. We ended up making it to my parents house and decided that it was unsafe to drive anymore with the error message going off. I called a tow truck to tow it back to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
I was driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the left-hand lane alongside the concrete barrier. The road curved to the right and when I tried to gently steer to the right the steering wheel got stuck and locked. I wasn’t able to steer to the right and so the car hit the barrier. The steering then unlocked. Since I was trying to originally steer to the right, the car moved to the right and hit t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
2 cracks in my windshield because of unclean roads, new tires only 4 months old having side wall issues and causing car to wobble.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
March 10,2023 2019 Ram 2500 Cummins 6.7L Diesel I picked up my truck from the dealership this morning, after they did the outstanding CP4 fuel pump recall. I drove the vehicle home (approx 20) miles. Parked the car in the driveway for about 3 hours. Then took a short trip to the store. After the store, when leaving the parking lot I noticed an electrical/plastic smell. Within in seconds s... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 1, 2022
THE MIDDLE REAR SEATBELT FAILS TO LOCK WHEN RETRACTED, THEREFORE I CANNOT USE MY GRANDCHILD'S BOOSTER SEAT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ORDERED A REPLACEMENT, BUT COST NEARLY $300. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN DECEMBER 2018, BUT HAVE NEVER HAD TO USE THE REAL SEATBELT UNTIL NOW. THEREFORE I DID NOT KNOW IT DID NOT WORK PROPERLY UNTIL NOW.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2018
While driving in the rain the windshield wipers will randomly slow down to a very unsafe level, making it very difficult to see out of the front windshield. I talked with the dealership and they said there is no known fix for this issue. Ford does not seem to have an answer either. This happens every time the wipers are on. And happens frequently, like every 30 secs the wipers will slow way do... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2018
Death Wobble. At approximately 20,000 miles it began to experience the 'death wobble' routinely. An internet search uncovered the problem. The vehicle now has 20,400 miles on it and routinely goes into the wobble on the highway - (3 times on 04MAR23 driving from Orange County, CA to Barstow, CA.) The wobble does not stop until you pull over and come to a complete stop.
Incident date: May 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the S.O.S. Not Active message displayed. The contact was concerned that in the event of an emergency, the emergency services function would be inoperable. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Electrical System, Communication) however, the failure recurred. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
We continue to experience phantom braking when adaptive cruise control is engaged on major highways. On a recent trip, it occurred three times on I-90 eastbound between Madison and Janesville, WI, and again in Indiana. Our car does not have “full self-driving.” Most of these were relatively mild, but one was so violent that objects in the cabin were thrown around. If a vehicle had been fol... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2021
Myself along with thousands of other owners are having moisture build up issues inside the headlight that eventually create puddles of water that short out the headlights which is $5000 for each headlight replacement.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2021
The start/stop system error. I have taken the vehicle in and every time I’ve been told there is nothing they can do to fix it, only annotate the codes. The first incident I had been driving for about 10 minutes and was on the highway and had to slow down. When attempting to accelerate past 50 mph I could not. Multiple incidents have occurred since each has been on city streets. It makes the car ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2021
The car caught on fire in our driveway
Fire
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at highway speeds, an abnormal revving sound would emit from the vehicle as it hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. Despite the failure, her daughter managed to drive the vehicle home; the next day, the contact started the vehicle and experienced the same failure. The contact dro... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
Car stalled at stoplight. Loud tone sound with ‘power steering low’ indicator with check engine light on. Wheel locked. Needed to put in park and restart car. Very scary and unsafe! Multiple people on Reddit and YouTube have reported this!
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle independently and aggressively slowed without driver input. The vehicle then accelerated independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure occurred approximately 10 times. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
Engine light comes on with a warning saying "Stop soon, Vehicle may shut off". A few times that light does not come on but the vehicle applied brakes while driving (5mph) on the road. Felt as if it put the parking brake on by itself. Engine light is still on now constantly saying to pull over. Dealer checked it out and re-grounded some wires but issue is still happening.