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 1, 2022
Speakers static when on audio but hands free are clear through the speaker
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
When you press the accelerator it won’t do anything
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owned a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the brakes failed causing the contact to strike a curb and flatten the front passenger side tire, and damage the rim. No air bags deploy. The contact suffered injuries to the back, neck and suffered a concussion. The contact was transferred to the hospital where she received medical attention. A police report was f... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor throughout the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a fuel leak coming from underneath the vehicle, above the fuel tank. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,800.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
Key is easily removable when in on position. Also difficult to turn from lock position.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
I’m hearing squeaking noise from the steering column when steering left or right slowly of my Audi SQ5 2018 model. I noticed the noise can be heard loud after driving the vehicle for 30 min on the road or longer time driven. The squeaking noise from steering wheel column is often heard when taking the vehicle out from parking lot or moving the vehicle from stationary while turning the steering w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Gearshifter sensor going off. Been told this shifter issue can cause car to shift into a different gear at any given moment. Read plenty of forums reporting the same thing.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
ABS (automatic braking system) audible alarm and visual light comes on constantly. Dodge Ram has changed it twice but it continues to fail. They have said the parts have been on back order for almost a year. Please help me get this safety issue resolved.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
First radiator blew (after noticing the temp gauge higher than normal and fan running a lot), and when replaced, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 continued to leak coolant. Took it to dealership to find out engine cylinder cracked and head gasket. A simple google search finds that so many Turbo Mazda’s between the years of 2016-20 experienced this design flaw as well. Mazda would not cover any of it since th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The dashboard instrument panel lighting has begun to go dark. It started with a section of the odometer going dark and has since spread to a lot of the instrument panel. After researching it further it is a known issue among other Armada owners. It poses a safety risk as you can no longer glance at the panel to get information, but instead must look for a longer period of time to see the gauges... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
My vehicle stopped on the side of the road in oncoming traffic and caused a back up because of my power brake system failing when it should have still been in good condition because I had just purchased my vehicle 7 months ago. The brake light came on made my car slow all the way down doesn’t go over 15 mph and has a skidding sound when braking and it happened again in the street away from home.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the RPM inadvertently increased briefly before returning to normal. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined a failure with the output speed sensor and transmission valve body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Car completely shut down while in drive. Towed to dealership where I was told there was a software update that needed to be done. Car working fine now.
BMW
K 1600 GTL
(2015) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 5, 2023
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
When pressing on the accelerator pedal the Tucson jerks and hesitates and seems to almost turn of then after a few seconds will actually accelerate. This almost caused me to have an accident because it stalled when making a right turn.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
Fuse junction box- fuses start getting loose causing signals and other electrical issues.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
Ebs light comes on and I lose traction control and cruise control. Happens more often when humid and/or raining . When I use brakes when warning Iight is on brakes lock up -especially in the wet
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
Ebs light comes on and I lose traction control and cruise control. Happens more often when humid and/or raining . When I use brakes when warning Iight is on brakes lock up -especially in the wet
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH uphill, the vehicle went into LIMP mode. The contact veered to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was oil leaking onto the camshaft and onto the manifold. The contact stated that she replaced... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
My Emplyoer has not fixed anything on the truck, the truck shouldn’t be operating, doesn’t meet DOT Regulations, I was told not to go into any scales or weigh stations, loses air and the air doesn’t build back up properly, I lost all air in my breaks while driving on the road
Incident date: May 18, 2023
My Emplyoer has not fixed anything on the truck, the truck shouldn’t be operating, doesn’t meet DOT Regulations, I was told not to go into any scales or weigh stations, loses air and the air doesn’t build back up properly, I lost all air in my breaks while driving on the road
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The Auto Idle Stop system was engaged at a red light after exiting an expressway. When the light turned green, and I removed my foot from the brake, the transmission moved to neutral, and the engine would not start up again. I was unsuccessful in getting the car to start again by either pushing the start/stop button or adjusting the transmission to park. The battery indicator light was illumina... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving on the freeway I5 in central California in the middle of the day there were no cars in front of me and the vehicle went into sudden PHANTOM BRAKING mode. I was driving at 75 MPH and it suddenly went into hard braking. Extremely dangerous. The vehicle behind me had to swerve around us. We could have been killed. I was using the cruise control but NOT the Enhanced Autopilot. This needs... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
While driving on the highway my dashboard displayed a warning of “reduced power steering “, engine light came off and on, loss of speed , and “stabilitracking” light came on. Brakes also vibrated badly as if they were unable to hold a grip. I was unable to accelerate and was really in danger. The car was taken immediately to the dealership where they replaced the battery and told me it was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The transmission jerks when shifting or just driving as you’re accelerating and as you’re at cruising speed, the transmission has a shutter that creates a vibration through the truck. My safety was put at risk as I did not know if the transmission was gonna fail as bad as the truck was shaking. The dealer reproduced the same problems that I was having. Said the fix was to change out transmissi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
I own a 2014 Ford escape and with 100,000 miles the transmission give up and start skipping this transmission very expensive on the ford cars therefore, no longer purchase another Ford The repair was $5000
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
This is in regard to problems with the lug nuts on my 2016 Ford F150. The truck has approx 31,000 miles. I can no longer use the lug wrench provided by the manufacturer (Ford) because the lug nuts are "swollen", according to the dealership. The dealership refused to rotate my tires because of this issue. They advised Ford would not warranty replacement of the lug nuts. They admitted the lug ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
While driving down the Interstate 75 at 70 mph the car completely lost engine power and the whole dashboard lit up. It would not respond to acceleration. I had to pull the car over to the side of the road. I re-started the car and it started back up and worked normally. The following day while on I-75 the car experienced reduced power this time. The car would not accelerate above 20 mph . We g... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The tailight bulbs are melting the plastic around the lights. This hss been an issue for me and millions of other drivers who own 2013 Ford Edges. https://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/9037-burntmelted-taillight-bulbssockets/
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Accord. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was black. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Full Self Driving suddenly speeds up while waiting at red lights
Crash
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Full Self Driving suddenly speeds up while waiting at red lights
Crash
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
The power steering on my 2010 Ford Fusion has failed intermittently. Ford has a power steering recall for Ford Fusions made after 2010. I believe they should also include earlier model years in the recall since it is a common issue. The car says “Power Steering Assist Fault” every time I turn it on and the power steering doesn’t work. If I try to drive it, it also says “Service Advancetr... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated. The contact stated that two days later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that coolant was leaking into the cylinder block causing a blown head ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) 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 made aware of the issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated while... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
I just bought a new chevy bolt euv from a dealership here in Michigan. No sooner than me driving off their lot, a pickup truck damn near ram into me. I was in thick traffic following slow vehicles and the only damage cause was a skid mark on the road he cause. No damages to my bolt. He roll down and said fix your brake lights. I yell back, it's factory! I'm scared to hold onto this vehicle when i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
My car shuts off and will not restart. The battery drains if I go for a short drive. I have taken and had it inspected by the dealership I bought it from and the Nissan dealership itself. I was told that it is showing no codes therefore they cannot address the issue. They drained and recharged my battery at the Nissan dealership, and it continues to happen. I have looked online and found many peop... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
I just bought this car and the brakes do not feel right when i go to stop. They are new and i got them changed today and it still makes a pop noise.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
I just bought this car and the brakes do not feel right when i go to stop. They are new and i got them changed today and it still makes a pop noise.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Main HV Battery failure, "Electrical System Error" displayed, fortunately this occurred when pulling into the garage. Vehicle would not go into drive or reverse, vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. This could have ended very differently if on the highway. HV Battery Module and 12v battery replaced.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2018
RAB disabled, eye sight disabled, I drive disabled, check engine light came on. Car drives like it's is in sport mode with very touchy throttle. Pulled a code and it's the TCV. It's a known issue by Subaru with a part that has since been revamped but with thousands of vehicles on the road affected. Should be a recall. Contacted Subaru of America with no response so now a $1,900-$2,500 depending o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2018
I was pulling out of a parking lot going about 3 mph. There were no other vehicles around and the windshield cracked right in front of me. I called my insurance and explained to them the strange event that just took place, and they said that it would be a deductable of $500.00 or around $1000.00. Reasearch has proven that quote. The next day I went out to the car to start it up so the kids wouldn'... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
My engine failed on a busy road on my home after a long day of work. I was at a red light when my car failed and was terrified a car was going to hit me. I was the first car in line and had barely made it past the light. Thankfully, I was able to have my car pushed into a nearby lot by complete strangers. I had just gotten off of the freeway, I easily could have been killed or hurt. My car was tow... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
My steering is suddenly bad. Rack and pinions.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
I was driving down the road on Monday, June 27, 2023 at about 50 mph. All of a sudden the engine just seemed to go into limp mode and slowed down rapidly. The power was gone and the car seemed to not go over 35mph. The after driving another 1/2 mile I arrived at work. When I tried to turn off the engine and restart it was difficult. There was a long crank and then started. I got the car t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
The display, where the speed and other pertinent information is displayed, is in dark or night mode. It is very if not impossible to see during daylight hours. It is very distracting not to be able to see the information that you should be able to this vehicle.
BMW
C650 GT MAXI-SCOOTER
(2013) - HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 27, 2023
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the “Check Hybrid System - Turn Off Engine” message was displayed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle decelerated and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the failure could n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
Engine shut down while on the interstate at 70 mph.
Incident date: May 28, 2023
Ever since I purchased my 2014 Ford Explorer, I noticed a foul smell inside the vehicle when accelerating. It seemed fine when driving normally, but when accelerating into traffic or whenever RPMs are increasing, it’s definitely noticeable. At first I thought it wasn’t that big of a deal, until my young step-son was in the passenger seat complaining about how he felt nauseous out of nowhere. S... Read more