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: Feb 28, 2025
Lane Keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning all stopped working and received error codes. Dealership stated camera was faulty and needed to be replaced at my cost. Continued issues with electrical systems where the car alarm will go off intermittently, and vehicle will not lock unless manually locking. Dealership stated smart control unit needs to also be replaced at my... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH in a parking lot, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine went into LIMP Mode. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle after several minutes. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, and ignition coils ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Bought in 2023 @ 98k miles. Have had trouble with 1.it would only start in drive, then that seems to have self corrected. 2. In drive, car would not accelerate properly, and would slow as though I was braking, but no foot on brake. Had rear brake sensor replaced, seemed better for a while. 3. Developed oil leak at 120 miles which valvoline characterized as "not serious...just keep checking it... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Land Rover LR4. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle started leaking fuel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V635000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and dete... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Land Rover LR4. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle started leaking fuel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V635000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and dete... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
The horn stopped working in our 2024 Elantra. This is a widespread issue (see NHTSA complaints and Reddit posts). I called ahead to verify with the San Leandro dealership that parts were in stock to perform this repair under warranty (prior to scheduling appointment). We arrived and were told that parts were actually not available (after a 3-hour diagnostic). What changed? Hyundai issued ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that after having an oil change, the engine started to misfire. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 15 MPH and failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that a multi-air actuator replacement was needed. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
2025 GMC Sierra 1500 shifted from Park to Drive uncommanded, accelerated uphill, and crashed while idling, keyfob outside of vehicle, March 2025. ESIS couldn't replicate and falsely claimed I didn't put it in Drive, despite photos and no one inside.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact was informed by a neighbor that the driver's side headlight was dim. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights failed to provide adequate lighting. The contact drove the vehicle with the high-beam headlights. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V093000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered an oil leak coming from one of the turbochargers. The contact later discovered oil leaking on the floor of the garage. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the turbocharger and turbocharger oil lines needed to be replaced. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
Had gas leak on lower part of engine leaking gas from the high pressure fuel line took it to a dealer ro so the repairs Jan 29th 2025 and my jeep is still not right ..it had no mechanical problems at all except the leak and now they have had to replace the reservoir for coolant due to broken damaged line and the vehicle has no power at all since the dealership has had possession of my vehicle ...... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
There is a transmission issue with my vehicle. It has been present since I first obtained the vehicle. Generally, the gears tend to “slip” or stutter, creating a stalling motion upon accelerating. It has stayed the same relatively up until recently when it would not stay in gear or switch gears and I could not accelerate at all. This is very scary because it could lead to an accident, a cras... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
Upon entering my vehicle, which was in my garage, I put it into reverse. I found the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn and upon viewing the screen I saw a message stating "Steering assist reduced. Steering may require increased effort". I backed up about 10 feet and still was unable to turn the steering wheel. I noticed another message advising "Lane Departure Avoidance features unavail... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
P 235 / 55 R 20 This tire has developed a sidewall bulge. It has always been properly inflated. I currently have the tire but the manufacturer has requested that I send it to them.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
The engine coil packs and spark plus were faulty. After we paid the dealership 700 to fix WHICH WAS NEVER FIXED then we fixed on our own paid a family friend to look at and fixed and then to another dealer to fix NEVER WERE fixed which cause faulty engine and engine collapsed. When told the dealer ship the problem they told us they couldn’t look at it until 2 weeks from that day and then we had ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
The engine coil packs and spark plus were faulty. After we paid the dealership 700 to fix WHICH WAS NEVER FIXED then we fixed on our own paid a family friend to look at and fixed and then to another dealer to fix NEVER WERE fixed which cause faulty engine and engine collapsed. When told the dealer ship the problem they told us they couldn’t look at it until 2 weeks from that day and then we had ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
The engine coil packs and spark plus were faulty. After we paid the dealership 700 to fix WHICH WAS NEVER FIXED then we fixed on our own paid a family friend to look at and fixed and then to another dealer to fix NEVER WERE fixed which cause faulty engine and engine collapsed. When told the dealer ship the problem they told us they couldn’t look at it until 2 weeks from that day and then we had ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
[XXX] about [XXX] our 2024 Kia EV6 WIND RWD AUTO VIN: [XXX] already serviced in both NHTSA Campaign #: 24V867000 and Campaign #: 24V200000 had a sudden loss of drive power and nearly all control while driving in rush hour traffic at 65MPH on [XXX] between Atwater and Livingston. The confirmed failed ICCU component can be inspected at Modesto Ca Kia. The sudden loss of drive power and control in ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The vehicle's transmission shutters upon rapid acceleration, especially at high speeds. It feels like it goes into neutral while trying to shift and jerks into the next gear. The RPMs shoot up and back down when this happens. You can also feel the car lose power (decelerate) when this happens.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact scheduled an appointment however, the contact was informed there was a customer satisfaction program related to the failure and was advised by the independent mechanic to contact the manufacturer. The con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
2015 ram 1500 truck the abs module failed , the truck will put itself in park and it has to be towed to a safe place, the truck has been taken to a dealer and they have no parts to fix it with, the warning lights did come on but by that time the truck was not drivable , it has been almost 6 months and the parts number 68228991ad is under engineer review and they are not making the part . there are... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
2015 ram 1500 truck the abs module failed , the truck will put itself in park and it has to be towed to a safe place, the truck has been taken to a dealer and they have no parts to fix it with, the warning lights did come on but by that time the truck was not drivable , it has been almost 6 months and the parts number 68228991ad is under engineer review and they are not making the part . there are... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
2015 ram 1500 truck the abs module failed , the truck will put itself in park and it has to be towed to a safe place, the truck has been taken to a dealer and they have no parts to fix it with, the warning lights did come on but by that time the truck was not drivable , it has been almost 6 months and the parts number 68228991ad is under engineer review and they are not making the part . there are... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and hauling a light trailer, the message "Loss of Power" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and the contact was able to coast to the side of the highwa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Bought 2025 Subaru Forester in January 2025. Within 300 miles of driving brought it back to place I bought it, complained about constant vibraton in Sterring wheel at high speeds around 55 - 65 MPH. They said the wheels were out of balance, they re balanced them and the problem was resolved, BUT IT WASN'T. I brought it back to them At 600 miles they looked it over and took it for a ride they said... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
While driving my steering wheel keeps locking up to where i can not turn my wheel. I have had 3 close calls where i could have been in a serious accident..i have taken it to the Honda dealership 4 times (1st time was 25 days after buying it.waa told it was fixed. It happened 6 months later. Told it was fixed again, happened 6 months after that. Was told it was something different i took it to anot... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the area around the radio was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure, but the radio was replaced. The contact stated the area around the radio was still overheating even with the radio turned off. The contact believed that there was a possible electrical failure with the fuse lines ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Transmission control module 158,320 miles
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, and the contact noticed an abnormally loud sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03, which had a simil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Unknown, my car has been burning through oil every 1000 miles and is starting to seize as I’m driving which is super dangerous! I have kept up with my car on oil changes and everything else that is recommended.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Unknown, my car has been burning through oil every 1000 miles and is starting to seize as I’m driving which is super dangerous! I have kept up with my car on oil changes and everything else that is recommended.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
My car dies and needs jumped everytime I shut it off. There's an odd clicking sound coming from the front floor of the trunk behind the drivers side back seat. This has been happening for 2 days now. I think I can smell something burning, but I've only had that smell once today.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The failure caused the RPM to become elevated, and the exhaust fan activated without the engine overheating. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restart the vehicle to reset the system. The “WRENCH” and the message to “See Owne... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Subaru Forrester was misfiring and sputtering as if it was going to stop running. The car was shaking. Had car towed to Subaru dealer for Service. At first we thought Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils but this did not fix the issue. Service determined a spring valve was broken which caused the issues. I have escalated the issue with Subaru Corporate, waiting for their response. Other Subaru models ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 55 MPH, the vehicle was pointing to the left. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the vehicle was not driving straight. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact initially thought... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Vehicle is shuddering/jerking upon acceleration due to a defect in the 8 speed automatic transmission. This condition was reproduced by Hyundai of Plymouth, MA and documented on the repair order. Dealer states that a new transmission is required to fix this problem. Safety is at risk due to shuddering upon acceleration which causes hesitation in acceleration. My Hyundai Santa Fe is available for i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Engine has 85000 miles on it and has never missed an oil change or service. Car has never overheated, but a check engine light has come on for a misfire in cylinder 6. Dealership indicates there is a blown head gasket and pitting on the engine. This car is too new to have such significant engine problems and it looks like it is a very common occurrence.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The check engine light came on and something about the cooling system. I can’t totally remember. The Service desk confirmed the eco boost engine has known issues of the cooling system which may cause the engine to go bad. Reported I needed a new engine and transmission. Then after they had started that job and after I put $1,500 down they called me back and said the radiator has issues from i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Jaguar Land Rover North America (JLR) continues to neglect its federal recall obligations for the 2019 I-PACE under recalls H441, H514, and H536, exposing owners to serious fire risks. Despite multiple recall efforts, thermal overload incidents persist, proving JLR’s interim remedies—software updates and charging restrictions—are ineffective. JLR admits in its notices that affected vehicles ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Jaguar Land Rover North America (JLR) continues to neglect its federal recall obligations for the 2019 I-PACE under recalls H441, H514, and H536, exposing owners to serious fire risks. Despite multiple recall efforts, thermal overload incidents persist, proving JLR’s interim remedies—software updates and charging restrictions—are ineffective. JLR admits in its notices that affected vehicles ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Vehicle Component: Exterior Mirrors Make: Tesla Model: Model Y Model Year(s): 2022, 2023, 2024 (and ongoing) Problem Description: Since the 2022 model year, the Tesla Model Y has exhibited a recurring issue with excessive vibration in the driver side exterior mirror at highway speeds. The vibration becomes noticeable around 50 mph and increases in severity with speed, making it difficult to clear... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 1 MPH in stop and go traffic and approaching another vehicle, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and bucked four times. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
04.22.25- back to back stalls on left hand turns within a 1 mile trip First stall landed me in a ditch less than foot from an oak tree. Coasted a bit before a sudden stop. Second stall allowed me to make it to side street before it abruptly stopped. Prior drive previous day had no issues and no warning lights.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
While driving the transmission will slip/hard shift very aggressively causing the rear tires to lock up. This would happen at unpredictable speeds (anywhere between 10mph-65mph), this occurred for about 2 weeks before vehicle ever gave a code. VERY scary and dangerous especially if you are in traffic since it essentially "brake checks" those behind you. The last incident that finally provided a co... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Intermittent Shift to Park Message Displayed While Vehicle in Park. See #19-NA-206 (through DTC B000A may not be set!). Caused by poor design of shift position switches! This is a KNOWN issue for many GM vehicles including my 2019 Buick Sportback, for nearly 20 years. GM should be made to fix this. In addition to not being able to start car and running down battery because of car power st... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact's husband stated while driving 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a possible sensor failure or transmission failure. The vehicle was not taken to the d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Driving on a major freeway during rush hour traffic and my master brake cylinder failed causing me to lose brakes. Further more the cylinder vacuumed my brake fluid into the engine causing more costly repairs. I previously owned a 2015 F150 and know that master cylinder failed and was recalled. Ford assured me this was a better master cylinder in the 2018.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 contact stated that the engine was running loudly and could be heard from inside the residence... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Leaving an appt and the car gave a battery ! Warning. While is was looking for a place to pull over the Stop Check Vehicle Electric System. I pulled into a parking lot when the Turtle came up and I was barely able to back into a space. The car was dead within 10 mins of leaving until I parked. I commute daily on an interstate and that would not have given me much time to pull of the interstate... Read more