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: Mar 11, 2023
Rear subframe has rusted to the point car is no longer safe to drive. This is apparently effecting many Mercedes’ vehicles and many unsafe cars are currently on the road.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Stability Control, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control); however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the transmission gear shifter failed to shift between gears and ceased. The air bag warning light illuminated inte... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while parking, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond. The vehicle lunged forward and struck an unoccupied Honda Pilot. The vehicle lost power but restarted after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, police report or fire. The vehicle was ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Stability Control, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control); however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the transmission gear shifter failed to shift between gears and ceased. The air bag warning light illuminated inte... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2021
The fuel filter under the engine began leaking diesel fuel on the hot engine which ignited a fire.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
When autopilot is engaged, the car randomly decelerates on the highway. This has happened multiple times. I have tried to report this to tesla but to no avail. They tell me the following: 1. They are unaware of any issue 2. Then, it is my specific car's problem and not a design issue and they will not fix it without charging me over a $1100 3. When I asked them what the issue is, they said they d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
Emergency brake failure. I have a very slight slope on my driveway. My car rolled halfway down my driveway. I assumed I did something wrong although I knew I had the car in gear with the E brake on. Two hours later I came back from an errand parked on my driveway was sitting in my car and my car started rolling backwards. The car was off in gear with the E brake on. I videotaped this happening eve... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
Emergency brake failure. I have a very slight slope on my driveway. My car rolled halfway down my driveway. I assumed I did something wrong although I knew I had the car in gear with the E brake on. Two hours later I came back from an errand parked on my driveway was sitting in my car and my car started rolling backwards. The car was off in gear with the E brake on. I videotaped this happening eve... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
Rear suspension rusted and broke during operation; control arm, tie rod and/or wheel bearings rusted and broke during operation causing vehicle to lose control
Incident date: Feb 14, 2017
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel registered that the engine was hot. A message to turn off the vehicle was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the engine started to overheat. The contact turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2018
I bought the vehicle from Dan Cummins dealership and a few months later started to smell gasoline got it checked vehicle replaced the gas line it was leaking
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
In more than a couple of instances the vehicle has miscalculated the need for emergency braking causing the vehicle to suddenly brake in traffic and also when the lane keeping assist system was activated, in which no braking was necessary and no vehicle or pedestrian was nearby at all. There has not been any accident as of yet, but the possibility of incident is there. This has been happening sinc... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
The reverse camera remains engaged even after shifting to drive. This can remain after 10-20 seconds. As I started to drive forward, the camera remained engaged and hit on moving cars behind me causing the vehicle to emergency brake even though nothing was in front of me. Almost causing an accident
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
The reverse camera remains engaged even after shifting to drive. This can remain after 10-20 seconds. As I started to drive forward, the camera remained engaged and hit on moving cars behind me causing the vehicle to emergency brake even though nothing was in front of me. Almost causing an accident
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
Driving home from work when my vehicle lost control, when trying to steer my steering wheel straight the rear end of my vehicle locked up and ended up in a guard rail , there was nothing in the road or any pedestrian or other cars I have no idea what caused my car to lock up but I don’t know what caused my car to lock up I know when my sales guys first go over my car he didn’t fully mention ev... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
Steering sticks and requires more effort at high speeds to steer. This makes minor steering adjustments unsafe at freeway speeds because the malfunction often makes me oversteer and sway from side to side in the lane. I noticed the issue with under 1000 miles on the car and have taken the car to the dealer I purchased the vehicle from. They have replicated the error but deemed it safe to drive. I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
My truck is at a Ford dealer and has been diagnosed with the cam phaser problem that is identified and covered in a Ford Customer Satisfaction Program(21N03). For some reason my VIN does not qualify. I'm wondering why my truck is not covered even though it is the correct year, assembly plant, and is having the same issue?
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly, and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle after waiting for a while. The con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated after reversing and then shifting the vehicle into park, the warning light illuminated stating that the vehicle was in drive. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact disconnected the battery, and the vehicle was able to operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
The secondary o2 pump will burn out or continue running causing unsafe risk to short circuit a fire. Recall has already been previously documented in the -2014 models however Subaru uses the same design and part number. My car Secondary o2 Pump was replaced under warrenty at 55k miles now at 90knmiles have the same CEL code.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Porsche Panamera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V033000 (Electrical System) 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribut... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while accelerating after the vehicle was idling, the vehicle would emit a load roaring and grinding noise while shuddering and hesitating before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the torque converter failed and needed replacem... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown code for the throttle body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,0... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
We are a municipally owned electric utility. We were notified of GM safety recall N222383791 on January 26, 2023, we have been unable to use our EV Chevy Bolt since that date due to the fact that this vehicle is driven by employees and we do not want to be liable if injury occurs. As of 3/20/23, the EV Concierge told us that the part is not available yet. We need a solution soon.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
I have had the same issue 3 separate times related to the coolant system. The first time happened January 2021. I was driving on the highway and I noticed that when the car switched from electric to fuel a large plume of white smoke came out of the exhaust and then the engine overheating message started. I checked the coolant tank and it was completely empty. I managed to get some coolant in the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Driver Restraint System Malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V079000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that apart from the driver's air bag, another unknown air bag also needed to be repl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
Hydraulic control unit was replaced July 2020 (ABS traction control lights coming on MEANING, NO ABS NO TRACTION NO 4 WHEEL DRIVE.) Hydraulic control Unit not working AGAIN. I have NO ABS, NO TRACTION, NO 4 WHEEL DRIVE, AGAIN. CHIME GOING OF CONSTANTLY AND DEALERSHIP HAS HAD "PART ON ORDER SINCE JAN 2023"
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon her daughter starting the vehicle, an abnormal snapping sound was coming from the vehicle while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter used excessive force to steer the vehicle home. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
When it is cold outside the gauge cluster fails due to a loose solder connection on the instrument panel circuit board. This is a common and know issue with 2015/2016 Honda Fits.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
My Tesla model Y reports that cameras are blocked or blinded nearly every trip. This happens day or night, and seems to be related to condensation in front of the camera. There is no other condensation in the vehicle; and there is nothing I can do to remedy this. I have brought it to the service center multiple times. On the last visit, the manager informed me that this is a known/common issue and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
My Tesla model Y reports that cameras are blocked or blinded nearly every trip. This happens day or night, and seems to be related to condensation in front of the camera. There is no other condensation in the vehicle; and there is nothing I can do to remedy this. I have brought it to the service center multiple times. On the last visit, the manager informed me that this is a known/common issue and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
When driving at 65 mph and hitting uneven pavement the vehicle will begin shaking violently. When slowed to 45 mph it will come out of it. Jeep Dealership suggested replacing steering stabilizer. When part replaced as well as alignment checked twice the vehicle continues to have death wobble.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
When driving at 65 mph and hitting uneven pavement the vehicle will begin shaking violently. When slowed to 45 mph it will come out of it. Jeep Dealership suggested replacing steering stabilizer. When part replaced as well as alignment checked twice the vehicle continues to have death wobble.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
I was sent a recall notice ( Z48/NHTSA 22V-426 ) and contacted the dealer to schedule. the recall is for the breaking system, and it took months to get an appointment, apparently bad breaks are not a concern? when I was finally able to get an appointment they claimed I had no recall? I described the issues to the service manager, and he said that I was experiencing the issue the recall was suppose... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
Engine light came on there is a problem with pcv valve. This requires extensive repair
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a Maxi Cosi Coral XP car seat, Model Number: IC313FNDV, Manufactured: 10/09/2020. The car seat was being used in a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the seat base failed to separate from the stroller when the release handle was pulled firmly. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to remove the car seat from the stroller. The child was not in the car seat... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
While driving on the highway, the passenger front windshield trim piece flew off, causing the driver behind me to swerve to avoid being hit by it. I was not positive what happened until I was able to stop and look at the vehicle. Dealership said it was not under recall so would cost $300+ to replace the part. Previously in the same day I had heard a tapping/rattling noise but could not identify wh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
My 2016 Kia Sorento has large places on the body (hood, roof, door rails) where the paint has peeled off extensively. We noticed the paint peeling on the hood in August 2022 and the roof and door rails were noticed this month, March 2023.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The emergency brake engages on its own. In the past i have been able to release it after it "auto engages", sometimes taking more than 1 attempt. I stopped at a gas station last week. When I started my car to leave, the emergency brake auto engaged itself and would not release. Error message on screen read "service park brake". I called the local service department of chrystler/dodge/jeep dealersh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
In the last year, randomly, when starting the vehicle, the yellow check engine light comes on. Turn the vehicle off, it is gone. The side view mirrors have the yellow lights lit up on them when driving down any road, the red warning lights that tell you there's something behind or in front of you start going off for no reason while driving down any road, all the "safety" and lane assist feature... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front collision detection sensor light illuminated and warned that the system was not functional. Additionally, the contact stated that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen and could not be removed without damaging them. The contact also stated that the oil pan was leaking. The contact had taken ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
My wife weights 109lbs and the passenger airbag turns off regularly. This was reported to Rivian back in July 2022 and there hasn't been a fix provided. I can share a picture of both her in the seat and the airbag light off if this is an option. I'm hearing it reported by other Rivian owners.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, jerked, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The steering sticks in a spot while driving. You have to really pull on steering wheel which causes it to oversteer and is very dangerous especially in curves. This happens everytime the car is driven. Can be available to be inspected anytime.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
received message on dashboard service transmission after 22,700 miles and bringing car to delearship where car was purchased and has been serviced I was just informed transmission is out need new transmission. This is my second Jeep at the same dealership with transmission being a faulty one, also with less than 25,000 miles
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
My 2019 Ford Expedition is experiencing engine shudder. This started about 3 weeks ago and is starting to happen more and more.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
My ABS light has been intermittently illuminating my dashboard since December. I took my truck to the dealer on 3/13/23 and it's still there. Per the dealer, it needs an ABS module and the Hydraulic Control Unit. I had already replaced the HCU over a year ago so thankfully it will be covered by the dealer, but the ABS module still needs to be replaced and was told that the HCU won't be available... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
There was a recall for an airbag problem which would cause the front passenger airbag to not deploy because it did not sense there was a person in the passenger seat. The problem supposedly was repaired in 2021. Recently, the airbag light came on again and I brought it in to the Subaru dealer, who diagnosed an improper sensor under the passenger seat. They said that the airbag could not be fixed p... Read more
BMW
R1200 GS ADVENTURE
(2017) - POWER TRAIN
Mar 14, 2023
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
Right rear axle bolt sheared. See https://www.f150forum.com/f129/2021-powerboost-rear-rotor-axle-bolt-sheared-515460