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 20, 2023
I purchased (2) Scorpion Pirelli Verde run flat 255/50R19 107H MS All Season tires from Orr BMW, Shreveport Louisiana on 02/10/2023. On 02/20/2023 in less than 15 miles from home I got a low pressure notice and proceeded to the stop and put air in the tire so that I could return the car home. Upon exiting my vehicle I could hear the air leaking from the tire but a visual inspection did not show an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
My motorcycle began stalling when I pulled in the clutch and braked when approaching stops or when moving through slow speed turns. As time went on, it became more and more frequent. At least, once per ride. In December 2022, I took my Trident in for its annual service and mentioned the stalling to the technician. He said they would take a look at it and see what's up. When I picked up my bike, t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The forward collision warning and traction control light is stuck on both together. Today is the 1st time it has come on, but when doing research I seen that people have had this issue before and that there was a recall for maxima’s and Murano’s, but nothing that has been seen for the pathfinder.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
My Jeep steering is extremely loose, and very difficult to keep between the lines on the road. If the wind is blowing, it is nearly impossible. My biggest concern however, is the wobble that occurs when on the expressway. This has now happened to me five times while traveling on the expressway at around 70-75 miles per hour. The Jeep begins to wobble back and forth and you literally loose all ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
My Jeep steering is extremely loose, and very difficult to keep between the lines on the road. If the wind is blowing, it is nearly impossible. My biggest concern however, is the wobble that occurs when on the expressway. This has now happened to me five times while traveling on the expressway at around 70-75 miles per hour. The Jeep begins to wobble back and forth and you literally loose all ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to start up without warning. The contact stated that after waiting ten minutes the vehicle started. The contact stated that recently the failure had become more frequent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was no power steering fluid. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle; however, the power steering fluid was leaking while driving. The contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
Brand new trailer. Picked up in October and put it in storage. Visited trailer for spring prep and noticed sidewall of tire split from rim to the treads. Only highway miles from dealer to storage lot. No deformations on any tire when we parked the trailer for the winter. Castle Rock st235/80/16r Manufacture date 1622 All 4 tires have dates of 1622 & 1722
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that his son mentioned to him that an abnormal squeaking noise was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that a rubber piece was sitting underneath the rear driver’s side tire. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the wheel well was sitting on top of the rear driver’... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
The rear subframe / axle carrier on vehicle failed. Rear subframe / axle carrier had significant corrosion / rot and large rust holes present. Also, the rear suspension parts & air shocks were seized / corroded to the rear subframe. Dealer advised vehicle was unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
- Faulty windshield washer pump pushing liquid into the Body Control Module and harness - Damaged electrical communications communications controlled by the Body Control Module including: 1) functionality of the wipers resulting in obscuring the windshield from clear visibility of the road 2) vehicle will not reliably shut off after removing the key. It continues to run. 3) vehicle will not relia... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
VTC actuator makes grinding sound upon cold start and reduces engine power. Has been doing it since the car had 22200 miles and had it repair and the same thing started 4 months after repair. Seems to be an ongoing problem with 2013 and 2014 CRVs
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
Audio main head unit (Honda p/n 39171-T2F-A71) produces loud static from radio speakers. The noise becomes extremely loud. The loud static continues even if the audio system power is turned off. The noise is so loud it is disorienting. The only way to stop the noise is to pull off the road and turn off the engine. The loudness of the static puts the safety of the driver at risk. The problem is ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
I don't know if this is the right form. These people are selling car seats advertising a commercial with a maybe 5 months old, website shows 0 to 4 years old. This is so bad. People are buying these for there infants that need rear facing car seats! They are telling people they are certified and acceptable for use! Please see pictures! https://www.sunshine-peace.com/products/auto-child-safety-seat... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2018
The vehicle has approximately 73K miles and approximately 3 months ago the transmission started hard shifting in 2nd gear. There have been several incidents where I have almost had accidents due to this. Ford will not replace the transmission despite the internet being flooded with persons saying they are having the same issue with the same year, make and model.
Incident date: May 28, 2018
Timing chain tensioner is defective and should be recalled. On cold start ups, the engine has a really loud rattling noise for a few seconds and goes away. Has been recalled on other Kia models except for the Kia Sorento why Kia chooses not to include the Kia Sorento should be of concern. Kia should be held responsible for their mistake. I have called the dealership and they do not take responsibi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
The locking clamp has become worn down and has failed after only three years of use. It will not lock down and hold the harness straps in place. My child can lean forward and the the straps release. Diono advertises 10 years of use. These car seats are unsafe if this is happening.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
Was driving 55mph and the tire just blew apart
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
I've had my Ford Fusion for about 9 months now I have white smoke coming out of the exhaust. I asked was it the head gasket and was told no. I was told it was a cracked radiator, water pump and thermostat. Cost me almost $1,700. Only for the white smoke to come back a week later.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
I recently was advised by BMW that my valve cover had a leak as well as a rear axle. I feel that after only 8 years and less than 80,000 miles those component should NOT be failing so soon. My biggest complaint is that I recently had my power steering system completely fail on me. I was able to limp my car home and turn it off to let it sit for 15 minutes which the dealer recommended. I started th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
My transmission shifts very hard while driving. Mainly from 4th to 5th gear while going 50MPH on a decline. The car has been in the shop for it a couple times and have yet to “replicate” the issue or repair it. The blind monitor system keeps saying it’s having an issue responding to the transmission. I get notified on my app constantly, yet the dealership has told me they can’t replicat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
My transmission shifts very hard while driving. Mainly from 4th to 5th gear while going 50MPH on a decline. The car has been in the shop for it a couple times and have yet to “replicate” the issue or repair it. The blind monitor system keeps saying it’s having an issue responding to the transmission. I get notified on my app constantly, yet the dealership has told me they can’t replicat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
Summary POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER: This recall involves an engine component known as the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve heater. The PCV valve heater may not have been produced to specifications which could lead to a short circuit. Safety Risk Should a short circuit occur, the PCV valve heater could overheat, lead to smoldering, and possibly start melting. In ext... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The electrical system per the on-dash guide shows a voltage of 13.8 V or less than the 14.2 V and when it is less than the 14.2 V the car drives choppy, braking causes the car to jolt around even after brake work. The radiator was recently replaced and new hoses were replaced and it still has not been remedied after new brakes and new serpentine belt. The dealer did not clean all remaining radiat... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The electrical system per the on-dash guide shows a voltage of 13.8 V or less than the 14.2 V and when it is less than the 14.2 V the car drives choppy, braking causes the car to jolt around even after brake work. The radiator was recently replaced and new hoses were replaced and it still has not been remedied after new brakes and new serpentine belt. The dealer did not clean all remaining radiat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
We have owned our previously owned Subaru Outback 2017 for 18 months and have replaced the battery 3 times. We are now on our 4th battery. That battery turnover seems rather excessive, doesn't it? My thoughts: 1. Phantom drain 2. Short (harness or wires cut by abrasion) 3. Programming (shut alternator off to increase mpg) 4. Faulty programming - see 3.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission failed to shift as designed. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2021
Driver door of vehicle will unexpectedly and randomly unlatch and open whenever the vehicle is unlocked. While moving, as well as parked and when vehicle is unattended.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
The active and passive safety systems would disable themselves and I would get the following errors from the vehicle. 1. Rear Differential lock 2. Four-wheel drive system 3. Chassis stabilization 4. Drivetrain malfunction 5. Reduced driver assistance 6. Traction control reduced or off 7. Dynamic stability control 8. Dynamic traction control When these errors came up on the multimedia... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
Transmission stuck in 1st gear, 3rd gear, or unable to shift and total loss of power after sudden braking to stop. This has happened over 6-8 times in my time of ownership. Starting between early 2021-2022. Vehicle currently has 76000 miles. Temporary resolution was to turn vehicle off and back on again. There have been reports that sometimes that does not work. https://www.youtube.com/wat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
Transmission stuck in 1st gear, 3rd gear, or unable to shift and total loss of power after sudden braking to stop. This has happened over 6-8 times in my time of ownership. Starting between early 2021-2022. Vehicle currently has 76000 miles. Temporary resolution was to turn vehicle off and back on again. There have been reports that sometimes that does not work. https://www.youtube.com/wat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Vehicle developed a clicking noise when accelerating/decelerating. Noise also present when switching between drive/reverse. Ford dealer found that driveline was flexing. Closer inspection revealed that the bushing for the single bolt rear subframe mounting to rear differential was broken. Had this not been caught, the bolt would have broken releasing the rear driveline from the structure of the v... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
Front left windshield assembly came off while I was driving down the highway.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after an independent mechanic performed an oil change, the vehicle made abnormal sounds while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and the fuel line bracket had fractured due to corrosion. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming app... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
Vehicle hesitates, vibrates, looses momentum, shutters, almost stalls when ac to touched since the day I bought it at napelton jeep in palm beach fla. I was told it’s a jeep thing. The engine roars to like like it’s fighting to start. A fan sound will go on and off non stop effecting the power and rpm’s. A loss of power happens and then the car goes back to normal after a completely shaking ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
I have received two emails from two different shop foreman’s. One from Niello BMW and the other BMW Fairfield. They both said the malfunctions I am experiencing- slipping, delay in accelerations- is the way BMW manufacturer made the car. One foreman said all the cars like mine he has driven have the same issue. It is a hybrid that needs the hybrid battery to have charge to not experience these m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
PTU identified under code C14A7-97. This part is a known problem with a large recall already completed but for some reason, this particular VIN doesn’t fall within the recall scope. Called several dealerships to ask about recall work and all indicate this VIN isn’t covered. “Service 4 Wheel Drive” light is intermittent.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced cold start issues, requiring numerous attempts while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle idled roughly once started. The contact stated that once the vehicle reached approximately 30 MPH there would be a white smoke cloud coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the check engine ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
Metal corrosion on the back liftgate is allowing water to leech into the electrical connections to the back camera, causing it to intermittently not work leading to complete failure eventually. The service techs at the ford dealership have described this common problem with this year model expeditions and is due to a chemical problem either with the metal or factory paint or both. Corrosion is no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
RT REAR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,120. VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
The vehicle constantly stalls out when we driving on the freeway. The vehicle loss of the power on the freeway put me and my family's life in very dangerous situation when we drove the vehicle. Brough my vehicle to the dealership, and it verified the problem with engine light error code P0A43-00. The dealer stated that they are not able to fix it due to the issue was related to a active recall ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Battery died prematurely and failed to hold a charge had to be replaced 4 DEC 22, for 194.63 from Advance Auto parts, Battery had failed to hold a charge in the past and Subaru roadside assistance had to be called on a previous occasion to issue a jump start.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
Driver side headlight has an extreme condensation issue. Especially after it rains or using a car wash. The condensation leaks into the control light module , which makes the turn signal, parking lamp and the adaptive light to all fail.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
Driver side headlight has an extreme condensation issue. Especially after it rains or using a car wash. The condensation leaks into the control light module , which makes the turn signal, parking lamp and the adaptive light to all fail.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
Rear tail light malfunction due to defective ground, melting connectors to rear break lights and indicators. Lack of break lights and indicators is a risk to motorist safety as a whole.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
Rear tail light malfunction due to defective ground, melting connectors to rear break lights and indicators. Lack of break lights and indicators is a risk to motorist safety as a whole.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Driver side rear window shattered with no impact. Vehicle had been remote started with rear defroster on. Approximately 30 seconds after driving, I heard a loud pop and stopped vehicle. After inspecting, the driver side rear glass of the vehicle had “spider webbed” and shattered.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
My 2020 Acura MDX shuts down and shifts to Neutral while stopped with the auto shut off feature engaged. This happens intermittently and the only remedy is to shut the car off and restart. It only seems to occur when the auto shutoff feature is engaged.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
My 2020 Acura MDX shuts down and shifts to Neutral while stopped with the auto shut off feature engaged. This happens intermittently and the only remedy is to shut the car off and restart. It only seems to occur when the auto shutoff feature is engaged.