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 1, 2022
The problem is in the Transmission. It is very stressful to know that I can't go faster than 35mph and specially super important that I have to stay under 5mpr or I might blow the motor I'm guessing
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The keyless start systems problem light has been on for about a month and sometimes I have issues starting the vehicle.
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Trailer brake service indication comes on constantly and cannot see speed use the radio or make a call. Already have changed the switch that they say is the problem, did not fix issues. Other mechanics on the internet are saying it's a wire harness between the switch and the module this needs to be replaced due to poor quality. We'll have a professional mechanic assess this but it looks like it's ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Auto A button for echo you power on but it not work. My keep faulty if my door lock with auto it sometimes won’t open then a lock smith has to be call
Incident date: May 5, 2023
In November 2019 my key fob became inoperable and I called a local Conicelli Honda dealer in Conshohocken, PA to see if they could replace it. They said they could replace it so I took my 2007 Honda Accord there to purchase a new key fob. When I spoke to the service person she informed me that I would have to get the airbag recall issue addressed also and that it would be no charge to have that do... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
The PCV Valve/crankcase has broken 3 times on this car with different repairs and parts. This is happening very commonly to these cars and may cause significant safety issues. The code is P052E
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Occurrence: This has been a recurring issue for over a year (over a year, might be closer to two years now) for our PHEV Sonata. It has happened approximately 10 times. Problem: Total engine shutdown when driving the car. "Shut down engine" type error message pops up and cannot accelerate. Steering still works, but it can be hard to pull over due to lack of engine power. The car can be restarted... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Sometimes when I mash the gas pedal to pull out from a stop it hesitates and doesn't move, then is sluggish when it does. This has happened often. It's dangerous.
Incident date: May 5, 2023
There are multiple problem points with this vehicle that become apparent far earlier than they should including but not limited to 1: Starter Motor complete failure at 70k miles (affects every single 3.8 2015-2017 genesis sedan) 2: Sunroof front panel seal degradation 3: Shuddering driveshaft early into new ownership (also afflicts most of these vehicles) 4: BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER SUDDE... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
There are multiple problem points with this vehicle that become apparent far earlier than they should including but not limited to 1: Starter Motor complete failure at 70k miles (affects every single 3.8 2015-2017 genesis sedan) 2: Sunroof front panel seal degradation 3: Shuddering driveshaft early into new ownership (also afflicts most of these vehicles) 4: BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER SUDDE... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
There are multiple problem points with this vehicle that become apparent far earlier than they should including but not limited to 1: Starter Motor complete failure at 70k miles (affects every single 3.8 2015-2017 genesis sedan) 2: Sunroof front panel seal degradation 3: Shuddering driveshaft early into new ownership (also afflicts most of these vehicles) 4: BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER SUDDE... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Vehicle emergency break activates, unable to release, or when teleased after multiple attempts the light continues flashing on the break button and warning alert on the dasboard. The first time it happened i arrived to destination and parked, when parked as i am waiting it activated when the door was opened. It has not been inspeacted yet, it fist started about 1 week ago. Its unpredictable when i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
Car started making a horrible knocking.. Had a rod bearing failure. Engine was completely bad. And Kia refuses to fix and or reimburse me.
Incident date: May 4, 2023
I purchased this vehicle for my minor child to have a safe and reliable vehicle to transport herself to and from work. However, there has been a power steering issue with her car for the last year. One day she was driving and just could no longer turn the corner. There was no warning and the light came on only after she turned the car off and then back on. So She pulled to the shoulder and waited ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
Coolant is leaking into #1 cylinder causing a misfire code. Ford dealer says engine needs to be replaced.
Incident date: May 4, 2023
breaks, control of vehicle staying in lane -lane departure failure, door locks, auto remote failure, multiple warning lights system failures on dash, vehicle lights. car has gone off road, right on highway (right lane) and left on highway to middle lane, almost hit other vehicle. Dealer put new batteries in remote (second new set) low battery alert 2 hours later, remote failure. passed diagnost... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
We were driving down I-5 and the highway was clear ahead of us and we were driving with adaptive cruise control. The Tesla suddenly applied harsh brakes without anything ahead of us
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Door to gas tank fill breaking off. Very common problem noted online by several owners of this vehicle. If it does not close properly the engine will not start. As it begins to break at the hinge the door sticks out. I fear it will fall off one day. Dealer acknowledges this is a problem and knows there is no recall for it. I have seen other exact vans that the door has been removed comp... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
At 2,702 miles on the odometer. Vehicle lost all forward gears while driving. No indication of problem before catastrophic transmission failure. Vehicle has been inspected by dealer and transmission failure has been confirmed. Dealer states failure is related to Ram TSB 21-002-23 SUBJECT: K1 Clutch Snap Ring Repair OVERVIEW: This bulletin involves replacing the K1 clutch drum snap ring and pos... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
The steering of my car felt as though there was a resistance when driving it. It felt as though there was a force pushing my wheel. It resembled what it felt like if I had lane keep assist on and was trying to maintain the lane, but I did not have that feature on. It did not happen all the time, either. I could drive it one day and not experience anything but the next day, I would. I had it diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
The steering of my car felt as though there was a resistance when driving it. It felt as though there was a force pushing my wheel. It resembled what it felt like if I had lane keep assist on and was trying to maintain the lane, but I did not have that feature on. It did not happen all the time, either. I could drive it one day and not experience anything but the next day, I would. I had it diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
I put my car in park and ran in my house to grab my wallet. When I came back out, my Jeep had rolled down the driveway. The Jeep would crank but wouldn't move and there was a warning that said "service shifter." I had it towed to the Jeep dealership where I spent over $3,000 to have it repaired. There was a previous recall on Jeeps because they could roll away when people thought they were in park... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The contact’s son owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact then stated that her son was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The contact then stated that the battery was replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle ... Read more
BMW
X5
(2009) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
May 3, 2023
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed that the crankcase ventilation system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not r... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2023
The brake actuator (4405048320) and brake booster pump (4707048020) malfunctioned. The ABS warning came on the display, as well as a warning saying “Brake Malfunction: pull over car immediately.” The traction control light, ABS light, warning light, and parking brake light also came on. The computer code was C1391. This controls the brakes and anti-lock brake system. This is a serious and know... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2023
I took delivery of the new vehicle without testing all the seatbelts. The third row passenger side seat belt is fully retracted as it should be, but it's locked in that position. It came from the dealer that way, and it cannot be used. If I hadn't noticed while testing out the seats, I might incorrectly assume that it is functioning while inviting 6 passengers into my vehicle. This could lead to s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
The horn does not work due to failure of the clock spring. This is a common problem among many Subaru vehicles. Without the use of a horn warning noises cannot be made to alert other drivers of potential hazards. There are numerous video and forums detailing this issues on multiple Subaru models.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I was driving at less than 30 miles per hour when I noticed my vehicle had stopped accelerating. It was moving along fine and when I brake and put my foot on the gas, the car would rev and the RPMs would increase, but it would not move forward. As I approached a hill, it started to roll backward. I was in the middle of downtown on a Saturday afternoon and had to park by the side of the road to avo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. The contact stated while driving downhill at a slow speed in rainy weather with the windshield wipers intermittently activated, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the “Engine Stopped Press Brake Firmly to Restart” message was displayed. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal firmly and pressed the START/STOP button however,... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
Dealer reporting leaking and water intrusion at rear window seal. Water intrusion causing significant water damage and mold. Water intrusion potentially disrupts vehicle BCM and other electrical components including airbag function, lighting controls, infotainment and navigation systems. Radio infotainment system has faulted, radio speakers crackling, guage clusters lights randomly illuminate. Mo... Read more
BMW
IX
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
May 2, 2023
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to Waxahachie Nissan (W Highway, 1900 US-287 BYP, Waxahachie, TX 75167), where the previous diagnostic test result w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
After purchasing my truck, it was discovered that the back up camera doesn't work. It will work on occasion when the truck is put in reverse. The safety for myself or others is that I cannot see behind me when backing up. I have not taken the vehicle in for an inspection since I have been told that this is an issue for other Ford F150's in the same year. When backing up my screen says camera n... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2017
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and occurred increasingly while driving at low speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the dual transmission clutch had failed and needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
Sudden loud knocking then pop, started smoking pulled over immediately. Due to rod bearing failure rod went through block and all oil came out. Vehicle is available for inspection. Drivers safety was at risk because vehicle lost power and was unable to exit the roadway in a timely manner. No warning was given other than heard a couple of clicks then immediately followed by a loud pop.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
The sunroof exploded while driving causing glass to fall into the cabin onto the driver and passenger seats (while driving at highway speeds) and glass shards flew off the back of the car. The car has not been repaired as of yet. The Subaru dealership told me this has happened 4 times this year in my small town alone. I am currently working with insurance to get the glass replaced. The Subaru deal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
We experienced an issue of the engine stalling while my wife was stopping at a stop light on multiple occasions. I did not think to check the oil as the vehicle only had about 60k miles at the time. After taking it to KIA here in Jacksonville NC they told us our oil was low and adivsed us to choose the most expensive oil change, i obliged with obvious reservations. After the oil change was comple... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2022
Coolant is leaking into the engine. Ford fusion ecoboost essentially has a coolant intrusion. Ford knew about this and still won't it.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The back, driver's side, door will not open from the inside or outside. The issue has been present since the very first week I purchased the car. If this issue happens to all the doors, I could be trapped inside the vehicle, and unable to get out. It absolutely needs to be recalled and replaced by Hyundai.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact became aware that fuel had been puddling underneath the vehicle. The contact had previously noticed an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The m... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I purchased this 2020 Ford Explorer ST, used while still under factory warranty. Within a week or two the IPMB module started malfunctioning, this affects all of the safety systems to include reverse brake assist, lane keeping assist, rear view camera and more. I have had the vehicle in two different dealerships over 9 times in the 15 months I have owned this suv, and within days of the problem be... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Driving vehicle and it started to sway. Loud bang and car stopped. I got out and the rear trailing arm had broken free from the frame due to rust. Car was no longer drive able. I had it towed to Darling's Honda in Bangor, Maine. They were not able to look at the vehicle because Honda has not finalized the recall. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER:23V-228 I am without a car and need a solution. I was told by th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Vehicle is designed where ACSM control unit of the airbags is located directly under the cup holder where moisture and any small leak can short it out. This has happened many times and as BMW will acknowledge the problem, they will not do any repairs under warranty to correct the issue. There is a class action lawsuit pending.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
SUNROOF EXPLODED - glass was contained by cover but I had to hold cover shut until I got to dealer - insurance inspected the damage - no warning before it happened
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
Ever since we purchased this vehicle it has had problems shifting when accelerating it jerks the whole car, and you hear a loud thud. Once in awhile it feels like the car has no power when trying to accelerate. We have had nothing but issues with the Start/Stop control system. We have taken it back to the dealership multiple times. They have replaced the alternate battery two times in the past yea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
For the past 9-10 months and on occasions, when I step on the brake pedal to either slow down or stop from a normal cruise speed, the engine rpm quickly jumps up to 2000 - 2500 rpm. I have to quickly brake harder and *place the auto transmission selector in NEUTRAL to fully stop the car from lunging forward*. The date below is the most recent date.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
My doors have defaulted to the lock position, even when the vehicle is occupied. The electronic unlock system will not permit the car to unlock. The manual lock strongly resists being moved to the unlock position. With much force, it can be moved, but immediately relocks. The only way to exit the vehicle is to force the manual lock to unlock while simultaneously pulling the handle to open the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
My doors have defaulted to the lock position, even when the vehicle is occupied. The electronic unlock system will not permit the car to unlock. The manual lock strongly resists being moved to the unlock position. With much force, it can be moved, but immediately relocks. The only way to exit the vehicle is to force the manual lock to unlock while simultaneously pulling the handle to open the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became still and difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact’s wife was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Frame rotting, brake line connections rotting
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
The windshield wipers are difficult to engage. Doing so while driving requires me to take my eyes off the road