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: May 1, 2025
Had oil change 7 times in one year and each time they indicate at the place I get oil changed that it is a quart or more low before 3,000 miles of usage after oil change. My car is suppose to take unleaded gas or higher and it knocks if I use unloaded. Now my catalytic converter is going out and it is not covered under warranty unless it is consequential to other problems. Well there appears to be... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Rackandpinon replacement was also the upper and lower ball joints my steering is still giving me problems and I feel like it’s asafty concern because if I’m going down the highway I could loose control I have some receipts for what my mechanic replaced I called Toyota and they told me that it was to late to fix anything and that I would have to deal with it I never received a notice in the mai... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
While driving the car displayed “reduced propulsion power” on the dash and then I lost all drive power and could not switch the plug in hybrid from electric to gas engine mode. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer who stated that the battery electronics control module and perhaps the battery needed to be replaced. The check engine light came on slightly before the incident.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
Windshield glare from ribbed dashboard reflection under sunlight is distracting and often obstructs visibility so severely that it’s impossible to drive safely without wearing polarized sunglasses or placing a dark colored dash mat. This is a safety issue and so far GM has not done anything about it.
Incident date: May 11, 2025
Break pressure sensor is bad, the car will intermittently not crank. If car is in park it will not go into gear. It’s as if the break system can not build up enough pressure for the car to register the breaks are being pressed
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH and approaching a red traffic light, the vehicle began to jerk then suddenly lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the contact stated that upon ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to operate as designed, and the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality afterwards. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmi... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
The truck went to the dealer for recalls on March 21, 2025. The Truck is still within the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Recalls consisted of tailgate fix, TCM & ECM updates. The truck was returned to me approximately a week later. I noticed a significant loss of power. I took the truck back to the dealer and told them about the issue. They had it another 2 days and returned it to me, saying there was... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Breaking and steering wheel malfunction causing accident on December 20th 2024. Car is currently still at dealership for investigation. My safety was at risk, causing injury to shoulder. Not sure if problem has been reproduced, not confirmed by dealership as of yet. Police reported, insurance company only fix damage, then Vehicle was towed back to dealership for inspection, after being repaired... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Breaking and steering wheel malfunction causing accident on December 20th 2024. Car is currently still at dealership for investigation. My safety was at risk, causing injury to shoulder. Not sure if problem has been reproduced, not confirmed by dealership as of yet. Police reported, insurance company only fix damage, then Vehicle was towed back to dealership for inspection, after being repaired... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. The contact stated that the vehicle was stalling, and the brake pedal was spongy. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. The contact stated that the vehicle was stalling, and the brake pedal was spongy. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
1. Repair History and Days Out of Service The vehicle has been at CMA Colonial Kia dealership since [insert drop-off date], totaling 49 days (and counting) out of service as of 05/13/2025. The sole but critical issue is a failed high-voltage battery, which the dealership and Kia confirmed must be fully replaced. This is the first repair attempt, but the car has remained unusable for over a month. ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Back up camera not working and showing a blank screen. Says to contact dealership.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
Purchased March 2022 Late October 2024-motor and a/c condenser had to be replaced November 2024- thermostat had to be replaced due to fan constanly running and draining the battery February 2025- thermostat line popped off and had to be replaced May 2025-Current- back at dealership due to engine ticking, cylinder 4 misfire code, emissions code, purge valve canister code and transmission issue (acc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
Purchased March 2022 Late October 2024-motor and a/c condenser had to be replaced November 2024- thermostat had to be replaced due to fan constanly running and draining the battery February 2025- thermostat line popped off and had to be replaced May 2025-Current- back at dealership due to engine ticking, cylinder 4 misfire code, emissions code, purge valve canister code and transmission issue (acc... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
At 76,000 miles the electric steering rack and pinion went out! Causing the steering to be stiff and potentially setting up for accidents since steering just got stiff. After spending $4,000.00 the problem has been replaced.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was driving rough. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with a whining sound coming from the transmission. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local mechanic was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the transmission was faulty and n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2025
My ABS and Traction Control lights keep going off, intermittently. They have been doing it for several years.It can be for hours or for days. I took a video of it happening a couple years ago, and photos, also. More recently my speedometer has started jumping. I had the ABS recall performed when it was first implemented. When I've taken my vehicle to Hyundai (twice now specifically for this) they ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The Onstar module has failed. This part is the Telematic Control Unit or TCU. This is a widespread issue with no ETA of part replacement. This is an issue that is not often covered under warranty especially for vehicles outside of the age/mileage requirement of the company. This should be investigated and issued as a recall.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The vehicle rolled backwards and hit a predestination with no one in the vehicle on level ground. I don't know why it rolled backwards since it has never done this before unless someone had hacked into the computer system and caused it to go backwards. I also don't know if this car has the lvl of technology that can be hacked as in the completely driverless vehicles. I only know the theory of ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 8, 2025
I have had car repairs done identical with the 2014 models with the same exact issues described in those year recalls, car hesitant and jerking, breaking down on numerous occasions and replacing gaskets hoses and many codes common with fuel and traction control and finally engine blown!
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The 6.2 is using 1-1.5 QT. every 3000 or so miles. I have done the check every 1000 miles. Had a bent lifter replaced 2 christmas ago.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
I was driving my car and the door came unlocked and opened
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
I was driving my car and the door came unlocked and opened
Incident date: May 12, 2025
Ford Customer Service Case: [XXX] The transmission presented multiple problems, and eventually completed failed. Hard shifting, failing to engage properly, jerking and jolting in gear. Failure to shift to Park after stopping. Failing to shift gears up or down while driving. Loss of propulsion all together after stopping at lights or stop-signs. This put our family at risk, losing power in tra... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson FLHXSE Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at various speeds, the motorcycle experienced unintended acceleration. During the failure, the check engine warning light was displayed along with a triangle flashing on and off. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
We leased a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe in June 2023, and since that time the vehicle has been a chronic source of mechanical and electrical failure. Over the past two years, it has been in for service 11 times, spending more than 115 total days in the shop, with at least 9 repeat issues—largely related to high-voltage interference and hybrid system instability, from our research. The problems... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
We leased a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe in June 2023, and since that time the vehicle has been a chronic source of mechanical and electrical failure. Over the past two years, it has been in for service 11 times, spending more than 115 total days in the shop, with at least 9 repeat issues—largely related to high-voltage interference and hybrid system instability, from our research. The problems... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Freightliner XC-S. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the contact was informed by another driver that the turn signals and the high beam headlights were inoperable. The contact was informed that the exterior lighting failed to function properly, making it difficult to identify that the contact was attempting to turn. The dealer was contacted. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to approximately 45 MPH, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle caught on fire. The contact and her daughter who was inside the v... Read more
Fire
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The front windshield has a large crack from the top middle to the middle left on the passenger’s side. I didn’t notice anything hit it, just got in the car and it was there. It is available for inspection, but with the length of the crack I don’t feel safe driving it. I’ve read reviews online that the new Camry’s windshield is a faulty. Can you please look into this?
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts we... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
I was driving at freeway speeds on the interstate when I hit a divot in the pavement. My truck started shaking violently and I could barely control the steering and/or hold onto the steering wheel. When I applied the brakes, the issue worsened. I was finally able to find a spot to pull off. The shaking stopped and I was able to re-enter the freeway. This issue has occurred on three separate occasi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while at a stop light and depressing the brake pedal, the engine turned off; however, once the accelerator pedal was depressed, the Auto START/STOP failed to operate as intended. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle started to work as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dea... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
There are no messages/warnings. The vehicle will surge at very low speeds such as when I am coming to a stop, trying to avoid a person in a parking lot etc. It was SO scary this evening as I accelerated into a very very busy intersection...I pressed on my brakes harder and it was instant - but about 1 second (which is a LOT in this scenario) later it then slowed instead of accelerated. I have owne... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
There are no messages/warnings. The vehicle will surge at very low speeds such as when I am coming to a stop, trying to avoid a person in a parking lot etc. It was SO scary this evening as I accelerated into a very very busy intersection...I pressed on my brakes harder and it was instant - but about 1 second (which is a LOT in this scenario) later it then slowed instead of accelerated. I have owne... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
I was making a left turn in stopped traffic. Lanes 1 and 2 yielded die to bumper to bumper traffic...as I crossed into lane 3 at 5 to 10 mph...struck by a vehicle going 55 mph plus in opposite direction. My vehicle spun into 3rd vehicle. I hit my head 2 times on driver windows. No airbags deployed. I suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 5, 2025
My brakes went out with no warning, or light on dashboard. I had the master cylinder changed and all brakes bled. The brakes went out 2months later,so changed the master cylinder again. 1 month after the brakes went out again. So I called Mazda service department and the gentleman told me to try and change the brake booster. So I changed the brake booster and master cylinder. 6 days later my brake... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The component that failed was the transmission and the power train control module. The vehicle and component is available for inspection. My self and passenger were at risk while pulling out onto the highway and the vehicle had a sudden transmission downshift. This disabled the vehicle in the highway while merging into oncoming traffic. The problem has been confirmed by the Ford Dealership and ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (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. VIN tool confirms p... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the front headlights had become inoperable. The contact stated that the radio flickered on and off, and the power windows would not function properly. The vehicle was taken to several dealers; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was unable to duplic... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the message "Low Oil" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine was damaged due to low oil; however, the extent of the damage was not y... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked while the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The message “Service Electronic Stability C... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
Car has premature failure from the AC system. My system started to fail between 40-50k miles. Both the AC compressor and condenser failed causing metal pieces to be in the system. If not fixed, those metal shavings will cause failure in other electrical systems including the HV battery.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Issue #1: The vehicle exhibits substantial cabin vibration, particularly affecting the steering wheel. This necessitates maintaining a firm grip on the wheel when operating at speeds of 30 mph and above. The vibration intensity escalates in direct proportion to the vehicle's velocity. It has been reported that this vehicle model has documented issues with rear drive shaft bushing failure, which ma... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Issue #1: The vehicle exhibits substantial cabin vibration, particularly affecting the steering wheel. This necessitates maintaining a firm grip on the wheel when operating at speeds of 30 mph and above. The vibration intensity escalates in direct proportion to the vehicle's velocity. It has been reported that this vehicle model has documented issues with rear drive shaft bushing failure, which ma... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
I was driving on a road that was very rough with many bumps and the car (well in front of me) began to slow down to avoid a big pot hole, I applied my brakes to slow down before I got close to that car. Because the road was rough, as many others have filed the same complaint now, my Palisade engaged the ABS and the car coasted much farther than it shoudl have with the amount of brake pressure I wa... Read more