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: May 6, 2023
There exists a serious manufacturing defect in that the brake lights do not turn on when the car is used in one-pedal drive mode and even a rapid deceleration occurs due to regenerative braking. This was documented by Consumer Reports and it presents a critical safety hazard. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/brake-lights-can-fail-to-provide-fair-warning-on-some-evs-a9533519285/?EX... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2023
The contact owned a 2021 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, she collided with a deer attempting to cross the freeway. The contact stated that the collision was the result of the pre-collision avoidance system failing to activate. Both driver-side and passenger-side air bags were deployed. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. A police report was fi... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ducati SuperSport Motorcycle. The contact stated that while operating the motorcycle, the rear wheel braking system malfunctioned and was inoperable causing the rider to fall over while attempting to stop. During the failure there was no injury sustained. The motorcycle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear brake line had melted, and the rear brake calib... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to shift out of park after several attempts. An unknown warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and a dealer who were unable ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The paint is peeling off from the vehicle, exposing the body to rust and reduce the vehicle lifetime and durability significantly. When I contacted Honda about the issue, they told me it is a Paint defect from the manufacturing plant. They asked me to get a quote from the dealer to fix the issue, after getting the quote they denied the request saying it is outside the warranty period even when the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
There was no specific "incidence" to report. This is an on-going issue for a long time. Low beam headlights do not illuminate the road sufficiently for safe driving. Have had it to the dealer to insure the lights are adjusted to spec, but it was no better. Asked that they raise the beams; while a little better isibility, oncoming traffic was blinded and flashing me to lower the beams. Had the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
Over the last couple years the Service 4WD warning light would come on causing the vehicle to drive erratically. However this was intermittent and the light would go out after turning the truck off and then on again. Dealers could not diagnose the problem unless there was a code showing. Finally my local dealer found a stored code and diagnosed the problem as a failed front axle actuator.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
The engine isn’t working. Took to Ford Dealership in Selma, Alabama and they told us it will cost 10k to fix the car and I still owe 15K for the car. It started out not cranking. It is not safe for a woman to be in a car and not crank to get me home back and forth to work everyday. I have only had the car for 4 years. The warning lamp came in for me on Monday, June 5th, 2023 and at that time my... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
my jeeps (2020 4door wrangler unlimited sport JL) VIN does not come back to any recalls on the NHTSA but it has the old aluminum steering gear part# (P68250506AE) and needs to be replaced by the new part# (68507569AA) and a EHPS software eopdate per TSB 08-003-21 REV. A. some dealers are not honoring the TSB if the VIN does not come back to a recall. this issues causes unsafe steering wander and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2016
The wheels have be change twice over the 78000 current miles, I am the original owner. The Lug Nuts are now difficult to remove and some impossible. The tire iron socket no longer fits any of the lug nuts. Reported widely on the internet, the OEM lug nuts swell and require replacement. I could not find replacements they, are in such demand. Called Ford to see if replacements are offered. The... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2016
On June 07, 2023, I was driving on the highway when I noticed a rumbling noise from the front driver-side tire (215/65R18). I got out and inspected the tires and observed nothing wrong with the tires. The next day (06/08) my wife was driving the vehicle on the highway (60 mph) and the vehicle started to shake. She pull the vehicle over and got out to check the vehicle. She observed the front drive... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
Tire size: 225/4R18 88W Code 2119 indicates manufacture on 21st week of 2019. Factory original equipment on a 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT (N-Line). At the dealer for an unrelated service at approximately 37,000 miles. Tech noticed cracking on sidewall of all original tires. Suspects it is dry rot. There is a previous recall for these tires in a different size from 2015, but it appears the issue has ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
Care loses connection shuts off while driving and unable to accelerate. Loses steering control
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
I was driving on the highway (12) in Mandeville, Louisiana and the car (a 2021 all electric Mustang Mach E with only 13k miles) flashed a 'Stop care safely now' sign and then proceeded to power down within 3 seconds of the message. I exited (luckily I was at my exit) and felt the car lose power on the exit ramp. Three signals came up (battery - yet I was at 100% - then a turtle mode and not sure ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
I was driving down the interstate, no one around me at the time when a loud boom happened and my sunroof had exploded. Nothing hit it. It just bam, exploded shattering the whole thing. And the quote I was given for replacement is crazy expensive. $2500+ and can’t be replaced before we head home, we are on vacation so we have to figure a make shift solution to get home without suffering more dam... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Car maintenanced regularly. Engine went completely bad at 116,000 miles. 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl 3.3l engine.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The auto start/stop occasionally malfunctions where the auto stop turns on as expected but then doesn't turn off when you try to use the accelerator. It has happened when a red light turns green the car stalls, displays an error message and you have to restart the car to get moving again. This recently happened to me at a very busy intersection and was very dangerous.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
Almost a year ago I noticed my check engine light came on and so I checked the codes which is P1450 - Unable To Bleed Up Fuel Tank Vacuum - Ford - Powertrain. Everytime I fill the gas tank the engine studders and fails upon startup, usually on the 3 or 4th start the engine finally idle and I'm able to change gears. I thought this was the issue that was supposed to be resolved back in 2019 when I t... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2023
My Jeep has started to massively consume oil. I can only go roughly 1500-2000 miles before needing to add oil to my vehicle. I’ve taken it into my mechanic’s shop twice and they’ve been unable to fix it. Once was Nov of 2022 where they just did an oil change. I brought it back on Feb 13, 2023 because it was completely dry/devoid of oil and had to be towed to their shop. The car would not tur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
My vehicle has had a multitude of errors for 5 months now about the safety systems being disabled, seat controls malfunctioning, etc. Tesla refused to repair the car (despite only being months old) because I had requested a buyback due to other electrical issues with the vehicle. The driver facing errors (ones shown on the screen that the driver would see) simply said "Safety systems disabled". I ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
We bought this towable (5th wheel) RV in January 2021, new from Funtown RV in Denton, TX. Since the day we took deleivery, we have experienced a severe lack of braking ability from the RV brakes. We have had them services multiple times, and ultimately, the final RVIA certified repair facilities conclude that the trailer is just too heavy for the brakes they manufactured it with. They sell thou... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
Rust around wheel wells and rear liftgate along bottom edge.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
I had my 5 year old in the back seat we had just left gymnastics. I was about to pull out on to state route 87 and my car just stops running. Everything shut down, no power steering, was hard to brake, and engine stopped. The dashboard lit up with all the lights anti-theft, oil, traction control, engine. I couldn't get it to turn over and when I tried it made no noise at all. I was in a dangerous ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the remote start was inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2023
5/28/2023: Vehicle won’t start, AAA called and towed it to repair facility where they claimed they fixed the issue (battery replacement) 6/01/2023: Vehicle traveling WB SR520, where all dashboard warning lights started illuminating. At the same time, steering wheel locks up and infotainment screen shuts off. Was able to get vehicle off the freeway and onto the shoulder of a nearby exit ramp whe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
Almost a year ago I noticed my check engine light came on and so I checked the codes which is P1450 - Unable To Bleed Up Fuel Tank Vacuum - Ford - Powertrain. Everytime I fill the gas tank the engine studders and fails upon startup, usually on the 3 or 4th start the engine finally idle and I'm able to change gears. I thought this was the issue that was supposed to be resolved back in 2019 when I t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
We were driving on the freeway and out of nowhere, the trim next to the windshield completely flew off on the passenger side of the car and then the driver side trim broke in half.
Incident date: May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the ABS warning light, 4-WD warning light, and service required message was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel became firm. The contact desperately depressed the brake pedal and slowly drove the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed; however, but no failure was found. The contact was advis... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
The differential is making clicking noises at low speed especially when on and off the gas.
Incident date: May 31, 2023
Keyless entry problem on my car. I was unable to get into my car and when I used the key from the fob to enter the car, the car wouldn't start. I was stranded and needed to call for help. The car was jumped and started again to get it back to my house. In the morning, the car wouldn't start again so was towed to a local mechanic in my town called Desert Dawg and they were able to start the car aga... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
Vehicle Started to shake when stopped at an intersection. Drove it to the local Ford dealer and was informed that I needed a new transmission. If the transmission failed while the vehicle is in motion or turning at an intersection, there would be no acceleration due to the transmission failing and i would not be able to clear on coming traffic while turning. The dealer diagnosed the transmissio... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated after refueling; while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Incident date: May 31, 2023
I carry my family with me and in traffic the traction control light would come on and the car would loose power and not accelerate almost causing accidents I was told it was the speed sensors malfunctioning and the brakes would not work properly when trying to stop
Incident date: May 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was flashing on the instrument panel upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the clockspring was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2023
On Friday, April 28, 2023, at about 11:30 am, my car, died as I was driving it out of the grocery store parking lot; luckily, it didn’t happen as I was crossing the busy highway. I attempted several times to restart it, with no luck. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of this problem. The vehicle was in the middle of an aisle, blocking the aisle and many cars in parking sp... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving on the interstate, I passed a vehicle. Once I got back into the left lane my vehicle flashed a warning saying ‘service engine now’. My vehicle went from 70 mph to 50 mph very quickly! Cars and semi trucks were passing me by and almost hitting me because of the immediate decrease in my speed. Took my vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. They told me the turbo was bad... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Honda SXS 1000. The contact stated that while accelerating at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated, the contact then stated that he depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact sustained an injury to the head that required medical attention at the ER. At the time of the crash,... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 27, 2023
Recall requested on VW Atlas 2017 with statement not to use front seat, but we only have 1 car. How are we to proceed as a family? Recall remedy stated as not being available. Manufacturer Recall Number69FB NHTSA Recall Number23V215
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
I was driving my car and one day I got a warning to stop car immediately that there was no oil. I get regular oil changes and maintenance. I checked the oil and it was empty. There are no leaks, nothing burning out of the exhaust. I added oil and 2 weeks later same warning, I have to add oil 1-2 times a month. I took the car to Volvo and they couldn’t find an issue. I took the car to family m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
Paint is bubbling causing rust-
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The auto start-stop function sometimes will not restart. This time it happened in the middle of traffic at an intersection, and I had to put the car in park and restart it before I could move. This could cause a collision in busy traffic times or if people are not paying attention. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer at this time. During the time it shut off, the battery light and oil l... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the message "Battery Charge, Switch to Park" displayed and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that moments later, the vehicle was restarted and operated normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was schedul... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2017
I bought this vehicle brand new crossed over into the 133,000 range and the transmission just goes out and upon reading up on this it’s happening a lot with the 2016 Chevy Tahoe the ball was dropped on a recall regarding this vehicle it’s funny how it’s happening a lot to people
Incident date: May 12, 2023
OIL CONSUMPTION. I EXPRESSED CONCERN AT 140,734 MILES TO DEALERSHIP AS OIL LIGHT KEPT COMING ON EVERY 1000 T0 1500 MILES. SERVICE REP SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, $9.000. I HAVE JUST RECD NOTICE OF AN ENGINE CLASS SETTLEMENT. I AM CONCERNED IF ENGINE WOULD STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, WHAT HAPPENS.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva. The contact stated that the cruise control intermittently failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Car electrical system was completely dead at only 9500 miles and required a jumpstart and battery replacement
Incident date: May 16, 2023
My 2021 Kia Seltos S was not a part of the original recall on Seltos & Soul vehicles. My check engine light came on and now my car has been at the dealership for 3 weeks waiting for a new engine. The front collision will randomly activate when there are NO other cars around. It applies the brakes when you are driving at speed on the highway. Luckily no cars were behind me. My seat belt has al... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
So i been experiencing my steering issues since the date i purchased my vehicle. I have brought my car in multiple times and the dealer has told me there is no issue with it. But for the last time i went to go get my oil change done and i told the service advisor again about the issue and they had me drive with someone in the car and once that person drove with me he noticed the issue right away. ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
the lug nuts "expand" after time or exposed to water after time, requiring replacement of lug nuts