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: Mar 22, 2025
Due to regenerative braking, the brake lights dont go on when they should, or they go on when they shuldnt. This is well documented at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
I am writing to report a serious safety defect in my 2024 Acura ZDX concerning the Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking. The system exhibits hyper-sensitivity, leading to unwarranted and dangerous automatic braking events. On 3/17/25, at approximately 4pm PT, I was driving my Acura ZDX on US 101 at 65 mph. A vehicle in front of me changed lanes into my lane. There was ample spac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
At first,unknown, All problems are in the Tailgate,of which you cant see while driving. Tailgates are designed to be used. First ,the backup camera went out, then the third brake light went, and you can ONLY SEE when backing up to a Large picture window-also,parking light R/S in tailgate is out. NOW, I asked my granddaughter to open the tailgate when the car is LOCKED, and it OPENS- (Security) I... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
At first,unknown, All problems are in the Tailgate,of which you cant see while driving. Tailgates are designed to be used. First ,the backup camera went out, then the third brake light went, and you can ONLY SEE when backing up to a Large picture window-also,parking light R/S in tailgate is out. NOW, I asked my granddaughter to open the tailgate when the car is LOCKED, and it OPENS- (Security) I... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
“The 2023 Pleasure-Way Ontour 2.2 motorhome is built on a 2022 Ford Transit 350 HD chassis, VIN [XXX] . Four times while driving on secondary roads at a low rate of speed, or while stopped at an intersection, warning chimes and 6 different types of error messages are generated on the instrument cluster. These messages persist over a 10 to 30 minute period, and then the 12-inch LCD display and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
ABS module failure. Doesn’t allow traction control, ABS, or cruise control to work. Module was diagnosed bad at dealership and Chrysler can’t get a replacement module manufactured. Have already paid for the module in August of last year and still can’t get one.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
ABS module failure. Doesn’t allow traction control, ABS, or cruise control to work. Module was diagnosed bad at dealership and Chrysler can’t get a replacement module manufactured. Have already paid for the module in August of last year and still can’t get one.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine is consuming excessive amount of oil. Specifically, I had an oil change in December 2024 and now in March 2025 I had to add to add 2 quarts and it's just been 3 months and under 1000 miles since the last oil change. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The low oil c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, being driven, or stationary, the climate control module turned off sporadically. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle for half an hour and then restarted the vehicle, and the climate control module worked as needed for a month. The contact stated that the instrument pa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 5 MPH out of the driveway, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband then heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the rear window cracked. The contact called an independent mechanic and was informed that the defrost... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
While driving there is intermittent loss of power steering during a turn where at times it will be hard then easy to turn. While at highway speed it causes issue with maintaining your lane and in town making short turns can be hard. There is no warning before it happens and it's completely random.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the "Exhaust Mode Not Available" message was displayed. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the active exhaust on the rear passenger side had rubbed against the subframe, causing valve fuse 34 to blow. The contact replaced fuse 34 but was unable to disconnect the active exhaust, and the wiring had de... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
In 2024, I had the transmission replaced due it leaking transmission fluid. The transmission is sealed and there is no way to add fluid. This created an internal problem for the transmission. In January 2025, the engine made a loud pop noise and began performing horribly. My wife and I were on the interstate in a major city and surrounded by traffic. I drove it to the side of the interstate, imme... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact recently replaced the 12-Volt battery; however, while attempting to roll down the windows, the windows failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the running lights and fog lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the battery was replaced at a tire and battery shop. The contact drove the vehicle back to the shop and was informed t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The Jeep was making noises and jerking some. Took it to the dealership and the Power Transfer Unit needs replaced and the cost would be 5800.00. The dealership said the vehicle could just stop at any time jeopardizing our safety. NO warning lamps came on. Apparently this has been an issue on models 2017-2019 and recalls were issued. Apparently the 2020 needs to be recalled as well before someo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Truck shut off while driving fuel pump connector in the tank was melted and could have started a fire. Was told my tundra doesn’t fall under the recall but is having the same problem
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made abnormal knocking sounds. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to drive later in the evening, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Peacock Auto, where it w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
After the recall on the backup camera the image processing unit (IPMB) has gone bad and the car does not display any camera information views (back up, front, 360 degree). I believe this is also related to the back up camera recall and should be addressed.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure had originated from the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
2018 Power Tailgate Failure from Body Leak Tailgate stopped working. I read so many owners have the same problem.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
I have driven this car for approximately 40,000 miles without issue, and regularly have the oil changed. Based on what my mechanic told me, the fuel pump either failed or detached while I was driving on the turnpike. This resulted in a loss of oil. I was simply accelerating to pass another vehicle when several warning light illuminated. The engine made grinding noises and there was an oil-like sme... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
I was put in a rental by enterprise from a rear-end. I was involved while my car was in the shop fixing the trunk. This rental had broken window glass under the passenger seat, and the car started sounding weird when turning and driving. On a morning, that same week dropping off my ex now at her job that same week, on my way back the suv started making the sounds more profound or louder (metal gri... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
This is the second time I’ve had overheating issues, and it now seems more severe. I’ve noticed both coolant and oil leaking, and the car is unsafe to drive. Also fault codes related to emission. Here are the symptoms I’m experiencing: •Smoking: The car I started smoking, likely from oil or coolant leaking onto hot engine parts. Caused me to pull over at midnight on side of highway and get... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Dashboard leather has shrunk and removed staples. Dashboard leather is laying on top of airbag and may act as a deterrent to the airbag function. Was informed that the airbag may not deploy correctly. Cost to repair is >$10k due to a common material defect.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Dashboard leather has shrunk and removed staples. Dashboard leather is laying on top of airbag and may act as a deterrent to the airbag function. Was informed that the airbag may not deploy correctly. Cost to repair is >$10k due to a common material defect.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently 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 failure became a regular occurrence. The low oil warning light w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer confirmed that the remed... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The A pillar trim has detached from the windshield while I was driving on the highway, it almost hit the car behind me. There was no warning before it became detached. When calling to see if parts were available I was told that they had been on back order for a year and they had no idea when parts would be available
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Vehicle often applies brakes on its own . At first it was only in turns . However now it does it when driving straight on the the freeway or just down the street at 45mph. I have fixed my alignment ,new tires, all of the front suspension and nothing prevents the car from trying to brake for me. it is a safety feature that is not safe at all. a car slamming on your brakes at any speed is dangerous ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
So I was driving into work on the interstate yesterday around 10am, and my jeep started to die out of nowhere. I almost got in a wreck. I was able to pull over on the side, and the engine light came on and I took it straight to the auto mechanic. I guess my oil filter housing unit is bad and is causing my oil to leak. The auto mechanic said this is a KNOWN issue in the design flaws of Crysler v... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
So I was driving into work on the interstate yesterday around 10am, and my jeep started to die out of nowhere. I almost got in a wreck. I was able to pull over on the side, and the engine light came on and I took it straight to the auto mechanic. I guess my oil filter housing unit is bad and is causing my oil to leak. The auto mechanic said this is a KNOWN issue in the design flaws of Crysler v... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V720000 (Electrical System); however, the contact was advised that the repairs were not sufficient to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was serviced under the recall remedy however, the failure recurred on three separate occasions. The dealer advise... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while opening the liftgate to place groceries inside the vehicle, the liftgate attempted to close, and in the process,s the liftgate quickly closed, knocking the contact to the ground. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was not injured, and no medical attention was needed. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
03/08/2025 While at Interstate speed engine turned off as did the entire vehicle electrical system in the truck. Steering control was maintained (though not power assisted) and brake control was in the same position. Truck was brought to a safe position in the breakdown lane and a re start was attempted to find that engine would not rotate and a number of dash indications were displayed including... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Middle row right seat belt keeps coming unlatched during normal operation. I ensure that it is latched correctly when I start driving. The passengers are not touching the seatbelt when it unlatches. We are notified that it’s unlatched by the seatbelt alarm. This started happening about three years after purchasing the vehicle. After happening several times, we took it to the dealer, who said th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When the brakes were applied, the vehicle accelerated instead of slowing down/stopping. The vehicle is available for inspection and we are begging for someone to investigate this as we do not want to get behind the wheel of this truck if the issue is determined and rectified. How was your safety or ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Coolant Intrusion on Cylinder 2 after previous recall was done to "correct" the issue, engine block replacement required. The vehicle suddenly without warning or indication started sputtering at freeway speeds then proceeded to stall. The vehicle was previously inspected by Ford Motor Company 5 months prior.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
While driving the ABS would activate the left front wheel and pulls to left. Previous all of the wheel sensors had been replaced. Took to dealership first time and could not duplicate problem. Problem happened again and return vehicle to dealership. The ABS, traction and possible another light was on. Took back to dealership and they did flow chart and found the ABS control module was bad. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
As I pulled from a stop, into an intersection, the car slammed on the brakes with no warning. Did not see the normal "BRAKE" message as usually appears if you follow to closely for example and there was no car in front of me. It was a quick slam of the brakes, which threw my head forward and down suddenly, then released. I Continued driving and saw no warning lights or indication of a problem on ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
While entering the highway from a downward slop exit ramp and towing a trailer, my truck shuddered hard and briefly locked up the rear axle. It immediately went into limp mode with a message that driving speed will be reduced. It also wouldn't shift past 5th gear. When the event took place, the OBD2 generated over 20 trouble codes. My local dealer advised I could drive it to them for repair. Upo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
While entering the highway from a downward slop exit ramp and towing a trailer, my truck shuddered hard and briefly locked up the rear axle. It immediately went into limp mode with a message that driving speed will be reduced. It also wouldn't shift past 5th gear. When the event took place, the OBD2 generated over 20 trouble codes. My local dealer advised I could drive it to them for repair. Upo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
In the middle of the screen, a notification to consider taking a break pops up and is very distracting and annoying even during normal driving condition. This feature makes the car less safe because it creates a distraction, especially on long road trips. There is no way to disable or turn the notification off on the vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
My vehicle has a broken backup camera (extremely blurry, barely or unusable). It has not functioned properly since the vehicle had about 2,500 miles on it, around 15 December 2024. It now has 7,300 miles on it and the manufacture has not remedied the situation. The backup camera is currently on back order (since January 2025) by the dealership. The dealership implied that it was likely on backorde... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V651000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V120000 (POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), 24V344000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the speaker made a static noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle, will sporadically make a static noise, which surprises her while driving. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not mad... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke and an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 contact stated that the A-pillar trim was cracked and peeling. The dealer was made aware of the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
The truck bed cover is not secure, it fits in via a channel with no straps or other protections and so when driving on the highway, it flies off from the connection to the cab and you can’t see behind you. It then smacks into the car until you can pull over. There is no protection against this.