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: 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.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
My truck has the death wobble. It's is very scary and I have almost had several accidents because of it. It has shook so violently when I have hit 40 mph even. It usually happens when I go 60 mph. I have not taken it to the dealership yet. No warning lights are on either.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2022
The car is is giving a warning to Shift to Park even though the car is in park. GMC says this is a known issue and could become a safety issue but is not coving under warranty or recall.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V633000 (Trailer Hitches). The contact stated that the fuse was removed and that the exterior lights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The fail... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2020
The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V192000 (Power Train) which was associated with the VIN; however, the co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
On 01/15/2023 my son was driving on a highway in our 2019 Honda Civic LX when he heard a scary grinding sound under the car. He was forced to stop on the side of the highway only to discover that the splash shield at the bottom of the car was almost disconnected from the car itself. Upon closer inspection at home, we discovered that splash shield is only held in place by 3 fasteners instead of... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
In my 2019 Chevy Silverado, I experienced an oil leak in my garage. I have never had a leak since I purchased the new truck. I took it to the dealership, and they notified me that my engine oil cooler hose assembly was leaking and needed to be replaced. I asked if the truck was safe to drive and I was informed that it was. I was driving home from work when the warning chimes began, and a mess... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where they repaired the bushing shifter cable. The failure recurred and the steering wheel became stiff. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately causing the contact the steering wheel became stiff. Addit... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
You have 87 complaints about the Forward Crash Avoidance / Braking System for this vehicle. Since my previous complaint, (#11470565) this unsafe, DANGEROUS, condition has occurred on two additional dates. Nearly all of the complaints that I read, mention the same issue: you are driving along and the system forces the vehicle to brake to a stop or nearly to a stop, NEARLY causing numerous rear e... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel was shaking significantly causing the contact to almost lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure ceased upon depressing the brake pedal and coming to a stop. However, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
The gauge cluster is not working.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
Hello, I was taking my car reverse and my car door was open slightly and it hit my garage door, and that was my mistake. My only problem here is, the driver side rear window broke and it broke into MILLIONS OF PIECES and shattered all over inside.the car. Not sure what the technology is, and it should not break into millions of tiny, tiny pieces. It's a brand new car and struggling to clean it be... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
Hello, I was taking my car reverse and my car door was open slightly and it hit my garage door, and that was my mistake. My only problem here is, the driver side rear window broke and it broke into MILLIONS OF PIECES and shattered all over inside.the car. Not sure what the technology is, and it should not break into millions of tiny, tiny pieces. It's a brand new car and struggling to clean it be... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2018
There is an issue with the dash of this vehicle. The dash AC button does not work at all, and the pre collision is not working either. The Ford dealerships local to me refuse to even look at it, even though there is a recall on this exact issue, put out by Ford. Recall 22S65. Getting Ford to do anything for you is a joke. There is one dealer in the entire state that works on Ford chassis rv's and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
During the past raining season, car battery compartment flooded creating a fire/electrical hazard during operation and addition total malfunction of instruments, lighting, warning systems in general, airbags, rendering the vehicle useless. The issue is well documented online by various owners, BMW stop assisting owners of vehicles that have the same issue of flooding. Please assist with any possib... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I was doing a 3-point turn in the driveway, and heard a pop sound from under the rear seats. A warning light came on in the dash, after a little bit of time the warning changed into an error that stated pull the car over and do not drive. OBD sensor reported codes P1A90 and P0C17. Car also went into "turtle" mode preventing it from being driven normally. Had it towed to the dealership, but took... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal with excessive force, the brake pedal responded but with a delay. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The dealer and the manu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
The electronic emergency brake switch freezes in cold weather . The parking brake can not be released until the weather warms. This is safety issue, because the motorists is now stranded. I took my vehicle to the dealership,. but the would not address the problem. This happened 2 times on the following dates 13 February 2019 14 February 2022. I'm retired and very little. I only have about 230... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2023
Message appeared on truck display while driving in a snowstorm, "Service Electronic Braking System". Loss of ABS/EBS control while navigating dangerous roads. Code C0020-01, ABS pump motor control is faulty.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Fleetwood Flair Motorhome constructed on a 2019 Ford F53 Chassis. The contact stated that the RV was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V655000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after taking possession of the RV, hydraulic fluid was leaking underneath the RV. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in a parking lot, she suddenly saw a blinding glare and then crashed into a light pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that her two infant children were inside the vehicle with her and that there were no injuries. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehic... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
Abs/traction control lights come on and disconnects the cruise control dangerously wen pulling a trailer, code is c0020-01 this is a very common issue with these trucks parts unavailable, I’ve talk to many other owners with same issues please address the problem before someone gets hurt thanks.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
The rear view camera and surround camera intermittently work. It is available for inspection. This is a safety risk for myself and others when backing up the vehicle. The problem has been confirmed and reproduced by a dealer. There is no indication of the failure before it happens.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed but hesitated to respond, causing 10-15 feet stopping distance delay. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving downhill. The brake pedal was depressed down to the floorboard but failed to respond, almost causing the vehicle to crash into another v... Read more
BMW
I4
(2023) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Mar 1, 2023
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started smoking from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the wiring harness under the hood had melted and that the vehicle needed a new engine, wiring harness, and catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between the lower gears. Additionally, the contact stated that the trunk open warning light was intermittently illuminated while the truck was closed. The contact also stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between the lower gears. Additionally, the contact stated that the trunk open warning light was intermittently illuminated while the truck was closed. The contact also stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2022
On July 21, 2022 I was driving my 2017 Ford Fusion I was driving on route 95 when my car started to over rev and began shaking, then I lost complete engine power. I nearly getting ran off the road from the cars behind me. Thank goodness I was in the right-hand lane when this incident happened. I had my 2017 Ford Fusion towed to Purvis Ford service center in Fredericksburg Virginia. The tech calle... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the windshield wipers were activated, and the windshield wipers then became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. The dealer referenced recalls for the failure however, the VIN nor the year, make, or model vehicle was included. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
The ABS system has failed again on this vehicle. It was repaired by the dealer at 23,836 miles initially. The ABS module is in need of replacement again at approx. 58,000 miles. The ABS and traction warning lamp come on and off intermittently while driving.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
2022 FOREST RIVER IBEX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO CO LEAK.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
I had a major accident on Sep. 24th 2022 when the car sped the traffic light and was hit by another on coming vehicle. This crash has caused a life changing changes to me & others involved in the accident. The vehicle suddenly sped without my control without stopping on the red light. I also had a major financial & vehicle loss with legal activities still pending. Tesla is not investigating and no... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 25, 2023
When wipers are on slow speed, after 17-22 sweeps will either stop, or to slow intermittant, does not matter on amount of water on the windshield. SSM FROM FORD IS NOT AN ANSWER. WIPERS SHOULD STAY ON
BMW
X5
(2015) — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES
Feb 25, 2023
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
This is the second time I'm hearing the climate control system click before i can adjust the temperature gauge. It was replaced less than 1,000 miles ago and it already broke again. You already put notice on the issue, SSM 49264, but it needs to be recalled with better parts. Im afraid ill be having to pay out of pocket if it keeps breaking. Please recall this.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
When trying to brake while parking in a parking spot at low speeds, or so and go traffic my wife and I experience an extremely hard brake pedal that creeps to a stop, almost hitting others and structures.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Death wobble when hitting bumps on highway after 55mph.feels like front end wants to come of the jeep very scary situation. 2-Clutch noise when pressing and realeasing
Incident date: Feb 3, 2021
Dashboard coming up.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2021
Dashboard coming up.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
I have Lane keep assist set to Early with Steering intervention. LKA would sometimes shut off by itself in the 45-60 mph highway speed range in sunny weather with clear road markings, and sometimes would stay on even when my speed decreases even to 35 mph instead of 40 mph. I understand if weather is bad, LKA might not work, but I am very confused, in broad daylight, what would cause the LKA to tu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
Drive mode unavailable message came on the dashboard and after the traction and sports mode where not available for use. The radio also shut off while driving. Also the car switch from drive to 1st gear
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
Two days ago my car was driving perfectly on the highway. The oil pressure light turned on I turned off the highway immediately and put more oil in the car. At this point my car is consuming over a quart every week and I don't drive more than a couple of hundred miles every week. I've taken several longer trips with this car. I started the car back up after checking the oil level, started driving... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
Tire pressure monitor warned that my left rear tire was low. Next day same thing. I went to have tire patched was told that the wheel had a crack in it. That was the cause for slow leak.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Driving 65 MPH on highway - car shut off, high coolant temperature alert on , coolant temperature gauge pegged to top - lasted one second at most. Car seemed to restart itself, alert went away, temperature gauge dropped to normal - car seemed fine. Had I stalled I would have been rear ended for SURE! This happened once before but I was stopped at a light - same scenario.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
When driving the car when dark enough to activate auto headlights and raining enough to activate auto wipers, after 20 minutes the following message comes on the screen EVERYTIME: Drive Assistance temporarily limited Lane departure also turns on and off while driving in these conditions Also attached are BMW's response after inspecting the car on 3 separate occasions
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
Engine quit working doing 60 MPH on interstate leaving my 20 year old daughter stranded on the side of the road in a remote area. Highway Patrol had to come get her to keep her safe. Hyundai refuses to replace the engine under the Theta engine Judgement as required by law because they state recall 953 was not done but we were never notified, and this page does not indicate there is a 953 open re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
Problem: Reoccurring check engine light and ODB2 Code's P0443 & P0444 Repairs made: MAF Sensor Purge Control Valve Reset Computer Air filter Cap less Gas Fill, W0133-2022154 Related Safety recalls: 18S32, 19V515000, 18V735 or 18V735000 I believe the Problem occurs due to an recall that was not performed or performed correctly leaving the problem. I am requesting the recall repair history from... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2022
2021 FORD F-150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-842. THE DEALER STATED IF THE CONSUMER WAS NOT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, THE RECALL WILL NOT BE REPAIRED.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Front windshield wiper washer jet hood nozzle sprayer fell off and is lost. Called Honda dealer. They checked with Honda corporation and are advised that there are 1,100 of these on back order. Lead time is approximately 4 months! Without this part, windshield cannot be cleaned by the windshield washer should it be urgently needed while traveling down highway. This puts safety at risk.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
The ERG or Purge Valve failed, causing a hole to be burned into my intake manifold, which caused my car not to be able to read my fuel properly which caused air and heat to build which caused my catalytic converter to melt. The danger is my car could’ve caught on fire, a check engine light came on and we went to AutoZone and they said the code read O2 censor, but nothing ever indicated ERG or Pu... Read more