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: Nov 17, 2022
I was hit from behind and slammed into the car in front of me while stopped at a light. The collision totaled my Atlas at 95% The air bags did not deploy nor did their give a warning for the collision. The damage was so severe that the inner frame of the vehicle is beyond repair. Recent warranty repairs were done to this vehicle prior to the accident one set to the dash electronics in the .ast 4 ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The new Nissan Rogue I just bought has gasoline smell that comes into the cabin from the Engine compartment when driving at low speeds. I took the car to the dealer where I was told that Nissan was aware of the gas smell and are looking into a fix. I also called Nissan Corp. and was told that they are aware of the problem and that the gas fumes are not a danger. Also I was told that this is happen... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking system erroneously activated without a person or other vehicle nearby. The contact was able to immediately release the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated normally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between the lower gears. Additionally, the contact stated that the trunk open warning light was intermittently illuminated while the truck was closed. The contact also stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between the lower gears. Additionally, the contact stated that the trunk open warning light was intermittently illuminated while the truck was closed. The contact also stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and opening and closing the front driver’s side door, the SRS warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was previously inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) and no failure was found. The contact stated that the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
Automatic Headlights fail to illuminate when wipers are active. This has been reported to Tesla in 3/2022.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
I had a major accident on Sep. 24th 2022 when the car sped the traffic light and was hit by another on coming vehicle. This crash has caused a life changing changes to me & others involved in the accident. The vehicle suddenly sped without my control without stopping on the red light. I also had a major financial & vehicle loss with legal activities still pending. Tesla is not investigating and no... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
The ABS system has failed again on this vehicle. It was repaired by the dealer at 23,836 miles initially. The ABS module is in need of replacement again at approx. 58,000 miles. The ABS and traction warning lamp come on and off intermittently while driving.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
The headlights grew very dim over the last couple years. I replaced the bulbs and it made no difference. Finally, this winter, they got so dim that I couldn't drive it at night, anymore. I took it to repair shop to see if something was wrong with electric system, and they found no problems, just little light coming from the headlights. I went on line and found lots of people having same problem ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jaguar XJ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and hydroplaning. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact then stated that the failure reoccurred and that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned, ran off the freeway, and cras... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 3, 2021
Dashboard coming up.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2021
The vehicle hesitates and then jerks forward when accelerating from a stop. This symptom is more apparent when the vehicle is cold before it has warmed up. The car is available for inspection if requested. It put my safety and the safety of others at risk because the acceleration is unpredictable. This danger is apparent when trying to slowly pull through a crowded parking lot and the car accelera... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Death wobble when hitting bumps on highway after 55mph.feels like front end wants to come of the jeep very scary situation. 2-Clutch noise when pressing and realeasing
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
When trying to brake while parking in a parking spot at low speeds, or so and go traffic my wife and I experience an extremely hard brake pedal that creeps to a stop, almost hitting others and structures.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
Ac just stopped working at 100,000 miles
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
Drive mode unavailable message came on the dashboard and after the traction and sports mode where not available for use. The radio also shut off while driving. Also the car switch from drive to 1st gear
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
Two days ago my car was driving perfectly on the highway. The oil pressure light turned on I turned off the highway immediately and put more oil in the car. At this point my car is consuming over a quart every week and I don't drive more than a couple of hundred miles every week. I've taken several longer trips with this car. I started the car back up after checking the oil level, started driving... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
My lane departure and collision warning did not work when I crashed into a car head on and totallled my vehicle. I had not yet received my recall maintenance, nor did I know about both recalls. Only the first. Not only that but lane assist did not work and the airbag did not go off. Despite totaling the car, how did they not go off?????
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
Engine quit working doing 60 MPH on interstate leaving my 20 year old daughter stranded on the side of the road in a remote area. Highway Patrol had to come get her to keep her safe. Hyundai refuses to replace the engine under the Theta engine Judgement as required by law because they state recall 953 was not done but we were never notified, and this page does not indicate there is a 953 open re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
Problem: Reoccurring check engine light and ODB2 Code's P0443 & P0444 Repairs made: MAF Sensor Purge Control Valve Reset Computer Air filter Cap less Gas Fill, W0133-2022154 Related Safety recalls: 18S32, 19V515000, 18V735 or 18V735000 I believe the Problem occurs due to an recall that was not performed or performed correctly leaving the problem. I am requesting the recall repair history from... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
Problem: Reoccurring check engine light and ODB2 Code's P0443 & P0444 Repairs made: MAF Sensor Purge Control Valve Reset Computer Air filter Cap less Gas Fill, W0133-2022154 Related Safety recalls: 18S32, 19V515000, 18V735 or 18V735000 I believe the Problem occurs due to an recall that was not performed or performed correctly leaving the problem. I am requesting the recall repair history from... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Front windshield wiper washer jet hood nozzle sprayer fell off and is lost. Called Honda dealer. They checked with Honda corporation and are advised that there are 1,100 of these on back order. Lead time is approximately 4 months! Without this part, windshield cannot be cleaned by the windshield washer should it be urgently needed while traveling down highway. This puts safety at risk.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2022
Front windshield wiper washer jet hood nozzle sprayer fell off and is lost. Called Honda dealer. They checked with Honda corporation and are advised that there are 1,100 of these on back order. Lead time is approximately 4 months! Without this part, windshield cannot be cleaned by the windshield washer should it be urgently needed while traveling down highway. This puts safety at risk.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
There are severe cracks (photos attached) on the frame found where the trailer hitch is bolted to the frame. There is approximately 20,000 miles on the motorhome. Thor Motor Coach brochure advertises "8,000-lb. Trailer Hitch With 7-pin Round Connector" (see Attached). This implies the Coach can tow 8,000Lbs. Websites (www.rvusa.com and www.thorrvsource.com) actually state the "Towing capacity is 8... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
Truck has 30,129 miles driven. As car shifted into gear to drive, it suddenly went into neutral gear while driving. This was following a loud bang like sound followed by a rough shift into neutral. Truck eventually shifted back into gear. Truck has been at dealership for about a month, waiting for parts to repair/replace the transmission. Dealer service provider stated that this was a manufac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
On 2/18/23 our equinox failed to go into park. We couldn’t shut the car off, nor start it back up. Everything electrical was on basically idle mode. ESC - brake control module came across the dash. The dash also kept saying to put the car in park. It wouldn’t go into park. We called for a tow truck to have it taken back to the dealership. When it was taken to the dealership the car was ON. It ... Read more
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 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the trim on the front driver’s side door started to detach from vehicle. Several days later, the front passenger’s side door also experienced the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the trim on both doors were reattached; however, the failure returned on the front driver’s side door.... 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 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 2021 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. Additionally, the vehicle pulled back while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Just bought this car used and the very first night I realized that the headlights are very very very dim. After online research, it seems this is a common issue with make model&year.
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 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 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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