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: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft flex plate. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Sat... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I own a 2017 Ford Escape equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. I am experiencing a known issue related to engine coolant intrusion into the cylinders, which has been reported by many owners and acknowledged by Ford through Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. This issue involves coolant leaking internally into the combustion chamber—usually due to a flawed cylinder head casting—which can cau... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle immediately lost power and was unable to be restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
I received a paper saying I had multiple recalls. Abs Fuel Replacement, Anti-Theft Ignition Protector & Decal Install, Anti-Theft Steering Wheel Locks.
Incident date: May 4, 2018
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle at start-up. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective cam phaser. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle for the failure and a case w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?-- Engine, yes it is How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?-- the car will begin to sputter and will even randomly turn off Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?-- Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
engine replacement at 60k miles due to metal pieces broken down and shredded in engine, happened while driving. dealer replaced engine because i had extended warranty. Few months later the transmission failed and they replace with a brand new transmission because i had extended warranty. Now 15k miles later my wheels randomly lock up when turning corners. very dangerous. I can dig for every fi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The right side tail signal light module needs to be replaced. I was having intermittent issues with the right turn signal, I took the car to the dealership and they told me that the module needed to be replaced. The car has been in the dealership since March 19th, more than a month ago waiting for the part. I contacted Chevrolet and they keep telling me that no ETA for part is available, and they ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Clarion Radio head, Honda part 39101-T3W-A71. Radio is removed from car at this point and may be inspected, awaiting service. Speakers produce full volume static, especially correlated to a hot day. Static is unavoidable, occurs whether or not system is powered on or off. Source input also does not matter. Restarting car also does not fix issue. Safety is at risk by causing hearing loss and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway, one of the windshield exterior A-Pillar trims separated and flew off the vehicle. The trim was replaced by the dealer. Additionally, the con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
Below 10,000 miles my truck had the master brake cylinder to put which they repaired under warranty. At about 89,000 miles the engine went out stating a misfire on cylinder 2. After talking with GM the vehicle needed all the rods and cam shaft replaced which was almost an $11k repair of which I had to pay almost $5k. The truck still has sporadic shakes while at idle. Many other owners have co... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal sound from the engine compartment. The contact stated that it sounded like a metal-on-metal rattling. The contact stated that the "Service Suspension and Low Oil" warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that a quart of engine oil was being added once per month.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 stated ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The Engine has unexpectedly spun a rod bearing causing the engine to run erratic, low power and knocking. I have taken it to a automotive repair shop and that is their diagnosis. This is the 6.2 liter that has the issue that has recently had a recall issued but my VIN does not show a recall
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
I recieved a recall notice from Chevrolet stating they needed to install a software update to the truck which will warn if a potential rear wheel lock up is about to occur due to faulty transmission valve body- which was stated that they do not have a fix for. After software update was installed- I was driving about 35 mile per hour on the trip home, and the truck abruptly downshifted very hard, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective alternator. The contact disputed the mechanics findings and contested that the vehicle would not restart if the defect was related to the alternator. The vehicle was then taken to an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
My vehicle stalled while driving on a busy highway & I had no option but to pull over, which left me & my family in a very dangerous position. Had to remove my daughter's wheelchair onto a tow truck as the vehicle had no power to use the hoist for her powerchair. Again, on the side of a busy road! Towed the vehicle to a GM dealership, who stated there was catastrophic engine failure & the engine h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
After driving the car for a while, when the car is parked and the car is still ON, the car began displaying - Check Lane Assist warning. From that point, the Smart cruise is not working. The warning displayed for more than 20 days. It happened to me more than 5 times. I reached out to Kia and their engineer is unable to resolve it. The warnings get erased after 20+ days. In the recent visit, Kia e... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
After driving the car for a while, when the car is parked and the car is still ON, the car began displaying - Check Lane Assist warning. From that point, the Smart cruise is not working. The warning displayed for more than 20 days. It happened to me more than 5 times. I reached out to Kia and their engineer is unable to resolve it. The warnings get erased after 20+ days. In the recent visit, Kia e... Read more
BMW
X6
(2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Apr 29, 2025
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was scanned, and a fault code for the catalytic converter was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
While driving, multiple warning alerts appeared on my dashboard, including “Service Airbag,” “Service Four Wheel Drive,” “Service Shifter,” “Service ABS,” “Traction Control Off,” and “Check Engine Light.” Shortly after, the vehicle lost power and became immobile, preventing me from moving it to the side of the road. The parking brake engaged automatically and could not be d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
While driving, multiple warning alerts appeared on my dashboard, including “Service Airbag,” “Service Four Wheel Drive,” “Service Shifter,” “Service ABS,” “Traction Control Off,” and “Check Engine Light.” Shortly after, the vehicle lost power and became immobile, preventing me from moving it to the side of the road. The parking brake engaged automatically and could not be d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
I am unknown of what system has failed but the issue is that while the car is in motion, it will completely shut off. All Electrical will disengage and there have been times where a pop up has come on my screen stating that air bags and seat belts are non functioning to get to a service station as soon as possible. It has happened multiple times while driving on a large highway. This is a severe ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
I am unknown of what system has failed but the issue is that while the car is in motion, it will completely shut off. All Electrical will disengage and there have been times where a pop up has come on my screen stating that air bags and seat belts are non functioning to get to a service station as soon as possible. It has happened multiple times while driving on a large highway. This is a severe ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Car only has 16,000 miles on it. Started smelling antifreeze when the car was started. Took to dealer- faulty, failing head gasket. Bad since manufactured. Also, brakes had sounded loud since purchased. Told this was just the type of brakes. Upon inspection of the vehicle for the head gasket it was noted that the rear brake pads need replaced!! Again, this car only has 16,000 miles on it. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse as needed. The contact stated that the transmission was stuck in neutral. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve body needed to be repl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
My air bags did not deploy with a head on collision.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The lock warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a chip inside the transmission causing the transmission to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The origin of the chip was u... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 135,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 190,000. The VIN was not available. Local aut... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the navigation system and battery warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then stalled. AAA arrived on the scene and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Merging onto highway, lost engine power. Cylinder lifter failed, damaged cam shaft, caused damage to coolant system via metal debris, and engine needs to be replaced. 76,000 miles on vehicle, regularly serviced at dealership. I inspected the parts, and was shown the cylinder lifter that had failed and fragmented as well as the galled cam shaft. There were no prior indications of impending failu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, sev... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
I just purchased this 2013 Escape with roughly 133,000 miles on it. The Car Fax showed the open recalls (latches and bushing) but that was it. Had the recalls done. Car immediately had issues with actuator and heater core. I tried to return the car and local dealer refused. Had heater core replaced for second time, after engine overheated due to coolant leak. Fuel sensor also had to be replaced ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 MPH and driving over a pothole, the vehicle started violent shake and the steering wheel seized. The contact pulled over, came to a complete stop and was able to continue driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
While riding home the bike stumbled and shut off had to restart. It did cause a code to happen but nothing evident or no event code showed up. My bike is new has 1098 miles on it. This was unexpected and dangerous. Thank god I was going slow. Many other bikes have had the same issue from Harley.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Radio some time turns off by it's self. Transmission has locked up in park after driving and put in park ,and will not go into any other gear, unless truck is turned off. After turning truck back on it will engage into preferred gear. It has done this for few time since February.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The manufacturer sent a third party to fix an airbag recall. Before the third-party technician touched my truck for the recall, both my horn and cigarette lighter worked. Now, after their repair, neither works. Therefore, something they did caused an electrical fault. I advised whoever sent the technician and they said they would send the guy back. No one will answer my calls and no one has fixed ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The manufacturer sent a third party to fix an airbag recall. Before the third-party technician touched my truck for the recall, both my horn and cigarette lighter worked. Now, after their repair, neither works. Therefore, something they did caused an electrical fault. I advised whoever sent the technician and they said they would send the guy back. No one will answer my calls and no one has fixed ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
MMI (infotainment), and the dashboard screen will turn off randomly and reboot. This is incredibly dangerous as it turns all sound off, and driving visuals like directions, and freezes or reboots, not where you last had it but from a different check point. Audi dealership said there was nothing they could do , after doing 2 software updates.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Because of recall, car was not engaged in park completely like it stated after I got out it rolled away down the hill and hit a tree, therefore the recall caused my accident. Yes the problem has been confirmed it is a recall. No it has not been inspected by dealer or police. Volkswagen will not engage in any further investigations they say it's my fault. There were no warning lamps.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
The transmission out of no where started to hard shift from 2nd to 3rd gear then making noises. Spoke with a mechanic who specializes in transmission he had 2 other tahoes same year same problem that are in front of mine to work on.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Driving on Pa turnpike twice this year and at 70 mph my 2012 ford f 250 with 79000 miles on it started shaking uncontrollably , had my wife and granddaughter with me and they cried and screamed till it stopped. Going to the dealer to see what Ford is going to fix for me before someone is killed ! Hopefully a recall or free fix! I have been educated that this has been an on going issue in many F250... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Driving on Pa turnpike twice this year and at 70 mph my 2012 ford f 250 with 79000 miles on it started shaking uncontrollably , had my wife and granddaughter with me and they cried and screamed till it stopped. Going to the dealer to see what Ford is going to fix for me before someone is killed ! Hopefully a recall or free fix! I have been educated that this has been an on going issue in many F250... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Hard time stopping and controlling the vechile
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Hard time stopping and controlling the vechile
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Front facing camera went out on a 2020 model. Several warning lights appear related to lane assist, front collision warnings, and automatic emergency braking. These safety features are important, and Honda should issue a recall. The camera is around $800 to replace, plus another $800-$1000 to install and calibrate. Car is only 5 years old, and there have been other camera/electrical related p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
When I turned my ignition key, it would not turn on the car no power