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: Jan 26, 2023
Cruise control disengages then slows down very quickly, then will not reengage. You have to keep pulling over and restarting the car for the system to come back on line. It's random and keeps happening.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
Cruise control disengages then slows down very quickly, then will not reengage. You have to keep pulling over and restarting the car for the system to come back on line. It's random and keeps happening.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The Kia lacks engine immobilizers. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard states that vehicles must be equipped with a starting system that prevents the activation of the engine and either steering, forward mobility, or both, whenever a car's key is removed. The purpose of the law is to decrease the likelihood that a vehicle will be stolen or accidently set in motion, and the statute applies... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Sport Contact, Tire Size: 255/40/ZR21, DOT Number: AFHDD76M. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 30 MPH and at low speeds on wet pavement, the vehicle started to shake, and a loud abnormal noise was heard in all four tires. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
I am part of a large number of individuals ~200+ documented experiencing scraping noises in our 7 speed manual transmissions. Most of us can't get service done due to part supply issues and labor shortages. The bigger concern is FORD is replacing same parts that are being damaged which doesn't address the root cause of the issue and its not solving problem because it comes back shortly after servi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
I am part of a large number of individuals ~200+ documented experiencing scraping noises in our 7 speed manual transmissions. Most of us can't get service done due to part supply issues and labor shortages. The bigger concern is FORD is replacing same parts that are being damaged which doesn't address the root cause of the issue and its not solving problem because it comes back shortly after servi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2019
In 2009, we bought this 2006 BMW 750Li as pre-owned and certified warranty from BMW of Tenafly, New Jersey. We have registration address maintained in New Jersey, and have not updated, even though we moved to Chicago, Illinois in summer of 2011. BMW issued 6 recalls for 7-series manufactured between 2005 and 2008. The recalls on manufacturer defects on electric and transmission in 2012 and 2013, a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2019
The lane departure keep system has a major firmware bug. When the car is moving along a sweeping right hand turn from the farthest left lane, the vehicle senses that the car is going to cross the lane line to the right and jerks the steering wheel back towards dead center. This throws the vehicle towards the left hand curb. The driver must react quickly to jerk the wheel back to the proper positi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2019
As I was driving, I began to park. I put my foot on the brake and proceeded to put car in reverse. The back up camera began to flash. Once it stopped flashing, the image on the screen was upside down. It’s is available for inspection. This is a safety hazard. The purpose of the camera is so that people can see what’s behind them. If the Camry isn’t functioning properly it’s can cause acci... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission experienced rough shifting while the vehicle jumped, and the engine revved loudly. The transmission fault message was displayed. Additionally, the fuel gauge level was inaccurate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control unit (TCU) needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
2020 LEXUS RX350. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS WATER INTRUSION INTO THE FLOOR PASSENGER FLOOR AREA OF THE VEHICLE.THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED REPAIR WORK REQUIRED WAS DUE TO AN EXTERNAL INFLUENCE AND INSECT(SPIDER) FORMING A NEST IN THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSATION DRAIN LINE.
BMW
C650 GT MAXI-SCOOTER
(2016) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Jan 30, 2023
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign and attempting to place his foot on the brake pedal, the contact’s foot became caught between the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to several dealers and the contact was informed that the brake pedal was higher than the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was not repaired because the d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
When pulling into a parking spot and with my foot on the break, the car suddenly accelerated. The car did not react to my breaking. The car kept moving forward over a sidewalk, over the curb on the street, into the back end of a pickup parked on the road I was facing, and started heading across the street toward another parked truck. Luckily there was no one on the sidewalk, no one was hurt. Thi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
The backup camera on the car works intermittently switching between blue screens and component not available. This causes a safety risk as I back up. A specific scenario that occured where I had to back out of my garage during Halloween with kids running about the neighborhood. The backup camera screen turned blue requiring me to backup using only the side mirrors hoping someone was not behind th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
My rear view camera has been broken for about 2 years, it just completely stopped working. I took my car to the dealership and they confirmed my camera was defective and said that my extended warranty would cover it, I still haven’t taken it in to be fixed yet but I just wanted to report this issue.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
I drove .01 miles and stopped at the entrance gate. My windows were dirty, so I used my wiper lever to spray washer fluid on the windows. I pulled out onto traffic after cleaning the window. Due to the space between the wiper control and the manual paddle shift lever ( I think) The lever was hit by my hand ( I think)? or it was a malfunction? so when I pulled out into traffic I was not in any... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, the check engine and air bags warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
When you hit a bump at road speeds (45 mph+), the steering wheel shakes wildly and you have to slow down immediately to avoid losing control. First happened about 12 months ago. Was not a common issue until more recently. Now it seems to be nearly every time I drive it. Ongoing issue now.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Mechanic stated engine cylinder head oil hole leak. Seems to be manufacturer defects
Incident date: Dec 25, 2022
Dear. NHTSA Good morning, Yesterday I filed a complaint regarding 2022 Kia Sorento Car Problems regarding recall issues. This morning, I received a response from NHTSA saying that NHTSA cannot help with this matter. My complaint is about serious car issues which concernts 2 recall issues. Kia America took my car for repair on 12/20/22 and today is 01/27/23 Until today, Kia American is not resp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
I own a Kia Soul. The catylitic converters went out. The car won't accelerate and the car got extremely hot. When I looked up Kia Soul recalls it showed that there was a recall on the converters also that some Kia Souls had gotten hot an caught on fire. I called Parkway Family Kia. They told me that it wasn't an active recall and that they couldn't do anything. I then called Demontrond Kia a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
I own a Kia Soul. The catylitic converters went out. The car won't accelerate and the car got extremely hot. When I looked up Kia Soul recalls it showed that there was a recall on the converters also that some Kia Souls had gotten hot an caught on fire. I called Parkway Family Kia. They told me that it wasn't an active recall and that they couldn't do anything. I then called Demontrond Kia a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
I lost assisted steering while traveling the interstate. I stopped at the nearest exit and shut off. I inspected the engine compartment and restarted, steering came back to normal. The same thing happened in a parking garage, , and has gotten more frequent. Took truck to Chevy dealership and they diagnosed a bad steering rack, and quoted $2700. to repair. The stability light comes on, followed by... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the water in fuel system message was displayed. The contact stated that the fuel gauge displayed conflicting fuel levels. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who cleaned the fuel tank. The contact received notificati... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably from side to side; almost causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and waited for the vehicle to stop shaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
Failed Components: Sunroof Drains become clogged and overflow into trunk well, causing electrical shortage, mold/mildew, and water damage along headliner and side airbags. Safety Risk: Electrical shortage causes fire risk, and mold mildew build up in car for asthmatic makes it damaging for air intake myself and others inside vehicle. Side airbags at risk as over flooding runs down pillars along ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO POWERTRAIN FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED HAVING MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN FOR REPAIR WITH NO ETA ON NEEDED PART DUE TO THE PART BEING ON BACK ORDER.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality without warning, causing the steering wheel to become stiff. The vehicle then crashed into another vehicle. No one was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the axle had fractured causing the failure. the axle w... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Lexus ES350.The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the sun was reflecting on the dashboard. There was a mirror-like image obstructing the driver's vision. The contact stated that there was a shiny substance on the dashboard. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case num... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
I was driving to work January 12th and I turned on my left blinker and touched my breaks to slow down and make a stop at a red light in a turning lane. After touching my break my car stalled for the first time since I owned the vehicle in the middle of the road. I put it in park and tried to turn it over twice. The hood of my vehicle started smoking and my engine seized up. I dropped my vehicle of... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle failed to accelerate despite depressing the accelerator pedal numerous times. The contact then firmly depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle experienced an unintended acceleration at approximately 35 MPH. The vehicle drove into the neighbor's yard and crashed into the neighbor... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
Rear driver's side wheel speed sensor began to fail intermittently at 10K miles (confirmed and replaced under warranty by dealership, no longer have access to the failed part but can provide dealer contact info). This failure resulted in braking not working correctly – presumably ABS system would read a 0 RPM reading from the one wheel, which then led to ABS triggering at maximum strength for a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The vehicle's ignition coil and spark plugs have had to be replaced several times. Car lost power while driving. Stalled engine at red lights and green. The PCV Valve Heater is causing the ignition coil and spark plugs to malfunction, leading to expensive repairs.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
For the past month the radio has been changing channels continuously, the volume changes, the seat warmers and heater turn on and off. I researched this and found many others with this problem. It is a safety concern.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
Passenger seatbelt alarm will sound randomly even when nobody is in the passenger seat.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Loud buzzing sound on passenger side when locking or unlocking doors front and side door very loud buzzing sound afraid if I have my grandbabies in back seat is the door going to fly open or worse what is the noise and is this a recall that can be fixed never happened before now it is all the time buzzing when you lock and unlock doors.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
My car's hood continues to shake. It has been tightened by the dealer, Don Moore Honda in Owensboro, KY. I have taken it there three times because it continues to loosen. I am worried that it will loosen and fly up when I am driving on an Interstate. I am aware that other vehicles of the same year and make/model have been recalled due to this same incident but my vehicle VIN has not been recalled.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the fog lights and exterior lights became inoperable. The contact noticed there was rust underneath the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also needed to add additional power steering fluid three times per week. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear box, pow... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while at the gas station the pump nozzle failed to go into the fuel filler neck correctly. The contact stated that the flap opened but the pump nozzle failed to fit as needed. The contact drove to another gas station to locate a pump nozzle that would fit into the fuel filler neck. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently came to a complete stop. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear wheels were crooked and rubbing against the inner fender well. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then later to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was fractu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
Purchased October 8 2022. Vehicle is a 2023 Thor Gemini 24KB on a 2022 Ford chassis. Vehicle has been in for repair of these items for over 30 days. Vehicle warning light notifications - Antilock Brake Fault Hill Start Assist Warning Pre-collision Assist Not Available Adaptive Cruise Control Not Available All Wheel Drive Not Available. It was viewed by Ford technicians. It is stated by Ford tech... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2022
My 1 week old iX had an unfortunate accident. I was backing it into the garage using the Recorded Path. This path has been used successfully multiple times since I got the car. Yesterday, while the car was steering into the garage, instead of steering onto the garage, it backed up straight into the wall opening, damaging the rear bumper and the garage wall. The garage wall moved in about 2-3 inche... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
An SUV crashed into an apple store in Hingham Mass. The driver told police his foot became stuck to the gas pedal. More likely his foot became hooked under the brake pedal as he tried to quickly shift his foot from the gas pedal up and to the left onto the brake pedal. This has happened to me several times after accelerating and then having to make a 'panic' stop. I had to quickly wiggle-foot from... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that upon having the windshield replaced, the technician was unable to connect the LTA, RTA, and the pre-collision system. The contact stated that the LTA, RTA, and Pre-Collision system intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the system needed to be recalibrated. The contact was then informe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
The contact’s cousin owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who drained the fuel system; however, no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advis... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
as i was driving getting ready to make a turn i suddenly lost control of my car. The steering wheel became stiff and was unable to move it ultimately causing me to crash, Dodge/Chrysler needs to get there stuff together and do something about this, this is ridiculous, would not recommend buying anything involved with the brand whatsoever
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
Sunroof randomly exploded/shattered while driving 65 mph on the highway. The noise sounded like an explosion/gunshot had gone off in my car. Nothing hit the sunroof and the sunroof did not have any cracks present at the time.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side shoulder. The low engine mode message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump failed, which caused fuel, metal, and debris to enter throug... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at night at various speeds, the headlights were very dim. The contact stated that the viewing distance was short. The contact used the high-beam headlights to see the road clearly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight bulbs needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
Power Steering quit working while driving