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 20, 2024
Well I finally paid off my 2003 Toyota Tundra and I wanted to really just get a really good tune up when I say really go I mean oil change spark plugs plug wires brakes tires everything , So as they go to check my tires and brake They said that the brakes on the front didn't even go to my truck the rotors everything and that is a really big issue so now I can't get my front brakes repaired becaus... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Vehicle gear shifter is stiff and difficult to pass from Park to Drive--the gear shifter gets stuck in Neutral often. The Entire Dash and instrument cluster goes black during driving and will not come back on until hours later even after the vehicle has been turned off and back on. This has caused me to be unable to see my speed, turn signals, fuel gauges or any engine controls. This leaves me una... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
Transmission 10R80 2017-2023 is prone to jerking, sudden power loss, complete failure, hard shifts and random downshifts. Ford knows that this issue exists but fails to issue a recall. The main issue is with the CDF drum. Ford came out with a new CDF Drum in 2023 to remedy the issue. But fails to cover any costs to fix it. To get to the CDF drum a complete transmission tear down is required. Ford ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
I have had four diagnostics on this vehicle and it's pointing to sensors which are inside the transmission transmission was not leaking and wasn't slipping or nothing I went to get in the vehicle after it was sitting for an hour and I put it in reverse it went right back in the park I put it in dry went right back in the park I couldn't get it out of the park and it was saying on the dash that sto... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
I have had four diagnostics on this vehicle and it's pointing to sensors which are inside the transmission transmission was not leaking and wasn't slipping or nothing I went to get in the vehicle after it was sitting for an hour and I put it in reverse it went right back in the park I put it in dry went right back in the park I couldn't get it out of the park and it was saying on the dash that sto... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
While on the road, the sunroof just shattered completely. In this instance, nobody was hurt as the cover below the sunroof was open and that caught all the glass pieces. The car is hardly 2 year old and warranty covered the repairs. The complaint is that Hyundai never gave a clear answer as to why this happened and what can be done to prevent it. There is no consideration of the passengers getting... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The electronic steering on my truck is failing prematurely and poses a risk to my safety and that of the drivers around me. When I drive it and go to make turns, the power steering will go in and out causing various levels of strength needed to control the vehicle while turning.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
My 2021 Silverado has the same issue as the current recall, whereas the tailgate open by itself when the vehicle is operations. This happens when it rains. The first time I noticed it I lost a cooler out of the back of my truck on the interstate highway. The second time it came down when hauling a trailer and cause minor damage to the tailgate. I have since removed the fuse that controls the t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
UPON INSPECTION FOUND KNOCKING NOISE FROM LOW END ROD KNOCK. INTERNAL FAILURE OF ROD CAUSING NOISE FROM SPUN BEARING- Honda told me that the VIN was not included in the previous recall despite being manufactured in the same month and year of the recall causing me to pay out of pocket to replace the short block of the engine at 85,000 miles
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Panoramic sunroof blew off vehicle while driving. Other drivers were put at a risk from a vehicle component flying through the air at high speed. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. No warnings prior to the problem. There is a recall with Mercedes Benz for this issue buy my VIN is not the included number but should be included.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
The component that failed or malfunctioned was the transmission and transfer case on my 2022 Acura TLX type S at 45K miles. I was driving the car on the street and the car was shaking and stuttering violently and at certain points it would not move requiring a tow. The problem was confirmed by the dealership to be the transmission. And inspected by the manufacturer (Acura) there were no warning, l... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
AT APPROXIMATELY 98,000 MILES, THE DASHBOARD ERROR MENU NOTICE TO SERVICE THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE HAS ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. WHILE REVERSING AT LOW SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. I STOPPED THE TRUCK, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, WAITED 15 SECONDS, AND RESTARTED THE TRUCK. THE ERROR NOTICE REAPPEARED AND STEERING POWER RETURNED AFTER ABOUT 15 SECONDS. DURING THAT 15 SECONDS THE STE... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
When vehicle stopped at red light, foot on break. The whole car shut down and locked up and I was unable to move. I had to turn the car off and back on and jerk the wheel to get it to respond again. This happened twice in one drive. This is right after getting my car back from dealership for parts that had to be replaced due to a re-call.
Incident date: May 16, 2025
When vehicle stopped at red light, foot on break. The whole car shut down and locked up and I was unable to move. I had to turn the car off and back on and jerk the wheel to get it to respond again. This happened twice in one drive. This is right after getting my car back from dealership for parts that had to be replaced due to a re-call.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
On [XXX], while driving through a common roadway puddle at a safe speed, the front bumper on my BZ4X detached from the undercarriage shield and tore away from the clips. This type of damage is clearly disproportionate to the conditions and reflects a deficiency in structural design. After researching this issue, I found that many other BZ4X owners have experienced the same bumper detachment and un... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's and passenger's side front windshield A-Pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached A-Pillar windshield trim. The contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side A-Pillar trim needed to be replaced. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
[XXX] . While driving at 35 mph left rear tire exploded. Steel belt strands are broken and bent outward. 6 months previous the right front tire tread came apart. presently my left front tire is coming apart. I have my spare on that one. 3 of the 4 tires I bought 2 years ago have come apart. I bought these from Walmart.com and the country of manufacture was not listed on their online ad. These tire... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
Driving the vehicle at highway speeds the large orange “Brake” warning illuminates and flashes, and the brake activates. This has happened approximately 5-6 times since I have owned the car. This started within 2 months of purchasing the vehicle. The dealer has tried replacing the front camera and I have changed the battery. None of this has fixed the issue. According to my Innova 5610 code re... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
My windshield has a defect with a line coming from the rear view mirror box and it comes down and turns and then turns back toward the driver side and then a straight line to the passenger side. There is no impact on the outside of the windshield and no impact of being hit by a rock or any other debris. This is clearly a manufacture defect and i have reach out to the local VW Dealership in my ar... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2018
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed camera system. The contact was informed that the camera system needed to be replaced, and the soft... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2018
Component: Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Jeep has issued a recall for the same year and model as my 2019 Cherokee, but my VIN is not included in the recall. However, the power transfer unit is failing as verified by the Jeep dealership. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. The warning that lead me to take it to the shop said 4WD not available service ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2025
My steering wheel sticks while driving. It is difficult to keep the car on the highway. I feel that eventually, I will have a wreck due to this issue. It is very scary driving the vehicle. The steering wheel is sticking constantly in the center position. The car is hard to control and keep on the highway.
Incident date: May 26, 2025
Engine misfires while driving. OBD 2 codes P0016 and P0017 indicates bad balance shaft. Common defect in these cars. Very expensive repair needed.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
The model/year Mercedes-Benz are well known for experiencing this/these particular issues. My research has shown that these year/make/model vehicles are experiencing the same type of mechanical failures nationwide. The issues all relatively begin around 75,000 miles. I've only had my car 3 years putting 30000 on it hardly driven/cared for **Issue Found:** Oil was leaking onto the ignition coil ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Car falls into limp mode in traffic when a misfire is detected. I have had a mechanic investigate the misfire and has determined coolant in the cylinders, indicating a blown head gasket. This is a widely reported problem with this engine and the large number of complaints indicate this is a safety issue caused by Honda.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
My vehicle is experiencing the issue under Recall NHTSA ID 12V076000: fuel supply issue that could cause engine stalling. Specifically, due to a programming error, the fuel pump might not supply enough fuel to the engine when driving at slow speeds or idling downhill with a ¼ tank or less of fuel.
Incident date: May 29, 2025
The safety system needs serviced/repaired and the alert has been present for months, and investigated by GM licensed dealership but not repaired, after several requests. The safety of drivers and passengers has been neglected and the high risk for injury and death while occupying the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Also on 06/11/2025 the EPS Power Steering system failed, with the system alert showing up on the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
In May 2025, my vehicle suddenly started jerking, shaking, and almost stalled out while driving. I was on a busy 3 lane roadway with 6 passengers total. As I would try to accelerate, the power was significantly decreased. I felt it jerk between shifting several times. My check engine light came on. I was so scared that someone would hit my vehicle and injure us. I brought it to a GMC dealership. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The vehicle (2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee) was on the road for about 90 minutes when the engine shut off for no reason at 65 mph in noon rush hour traffic. We were in the left lane and had to coast through 2 lanes of traffic and an exit approach while trying to avoid a deadly crash with high-speed traffic. There were no warning lights or alarms on in the car. The only message was that we needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
Engine began misfiring while driving, and received a check engine light. Brought to a mechanic, who confirmed that coolant had begun leaking into the engine cylinder, consistent with Ford TSB 22-2229. Total engine replacement recommended, but Ford refuses to cover the replacement under warranty, or recall. Vehicle is no longer safely operable.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
Vehicle locked up while driving. Has a new battery already. Full aux electrical function is fine but after shut down while driving will not restart, shift out of gear, roll or steer. All electrical works fine. To tow onto flat bed, had to drag the tires.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
Vehicle locked up while driving. Has a new battery already. Full aux electrical function is fine but after shut down while driving will not restart, shift out of gear, roll or steer. All electrical works fine. To tow onto flat bed, had to drag the tires.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated the failure had occurred at various speeds. In addition, the contact stated the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering control module (PSCM) failure. The contact was in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
For recall 21V198-69BY, I took my car to Audi of Birmingham on recall. They provided me a service form to show the repair had been made, but my passenger side air bag off light is still on because they didn't make the repair. It wasn't brought to my attention until I took my car for another repair job and the didn't make that repair, either.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his mother was driving and stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel before the steering wheel seized. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle returne... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
ABS module failure. ABS system deactivated. Lights on dash. Replacement module not available.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on several occasions while shifting into park(P), the message “Shift to Park” displayed on the instrument panel. The driver was forced to shift the gear shifter several times before the vehicle recognized that park(P) had been selected. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
My wife was parking the car at carport, all of sudden unintended acceleration happened and hit through the wall. The damage on the car was $12478.57 and damaged the wall and storage on both sides of carport. My wife is scared to drive this car.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
My wife was parking the car at carport, all of sudden unintended acceleration happened and hit through the wall. The damage on the car was $12478.57 and damaged the wall and storage on both sides of carport. My wife is scared to drive this car.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
I periodically have unintended acceleration ; it has occurred off and on for the past two years . The Ford dealer said no faults were detected so they can't fix the problem . It most often when I am shifting into reverse then the RPMs increase dramatically and when I put it in neutral they shoot up even more . A few days ago I was putting the car into the garage , waiting for the door to open , wi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
After about 15,000 miles of normal driving (a few road trips but mostly commuting and taking the kids to school and sports, no towing or off roading), my vehicle developed a clunking noise. This noise was inspected by the dealer and determined to be an issue with the rear struts. This is the first time in almost 30 years of vehicle ownership that I have had a vehicle require a strut replacement.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a whistling sound coming from the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured front windshield exterior A-pillar trim. The contact was informed that the front windshield exterior A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The fai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
4WD service light; 4WD System unavailable; clicking and grinding. Code diagnostic confirmed: C14*94 and C14*A797.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Rear glass shattered for no reason. Heard this is a big issue with Hondas & Acuras. Dealership almost tried to make us go through our own insurance even though we bought it 2 days ago.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
Vehicle enters into catalyst monitor too early. Monitor Fales indicating that the catalyst is below efficiency threshold. A vehicle is run for a significant amount of time before being allowed to enter the driving conditions for the catalyst monitor, monitor will pass. This indicates that there is a programming failure, not an actual component failure. Theory has been tested multiple times. Cataly... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
while turning a corner the power steering module shorted out the power steering rack gear assembly causing the vehicle to have control of the steering and unable to turn the wheel almost colliding with other vehicles. the power steering module light comes on along with the hill start assist, the forward collision warning, the ESM lights all come on. The steering wheel does not turn and had to tow... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The primary safety restraint system, specifically the driver's side airbag, failed to deploy during a significant frontal impact collision. This severely compromised my personal safety, as my head struck the steering wheel with force, leading to injury and pain. Had the impact been more severe, the lack of airbag deployment could have led to much more serious, potentially life-threatening, injurie... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the message "Check ABS" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for ... Read more