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: Feb 26, 2025
I received a safety recall from Toyota in January 2025. I called my Toyota dealership and they told me there was currently no remedy for the recall. I checked [XXX] and it confirmed that there has been a known recall since November 2023 on their 12 V battery and battery tray that could cause a fire. This hazard from the battery could not only affect myself, but others on the road if there were to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owned a 2011 Jaguar XJ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated independently. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and had the vehicle towed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
My car has been stalling when coming to a stop while driving in and around town Before stalling on the oil light flickers and the sometimes after I restart it the motor makes a clattering sound and if I press down on the accelerator pedal the noise fades off and then the motor runs for a while and then flickering oil light and stalls. I have 90,000+ miles and have used amsoil full synthetic with ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Not power, lot blue smoke, excessive consumption of engine oil, noise in the motor, like something is broken in it.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Not power, lot blue smoke, excessive consumption of engine oil, noise in the motor, like something is broken in it.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
Water in racetrack lighting in rear tailgate. Also, license plate lights are not working either. Should be mfg problem to repair/recall
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
Component Failure: The Tesla NEMA 14-50 charging adapter for my 2016 Model S malfunctioned, causing overheating that melted a prong and led to an electrical fire. The defective adapter appears identical to those in Tesla's November 2016 recall, though mine was designated "not affected." The damaged adapter and charging cable are available for inspection. Safety Risk: This malfunction created a ser... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that there was fluid leaking on the passenger's side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured passenger's side rear wheel bolt. The contact was informed that the passenger's side rear wheel bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine revved up abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a humming sound coming from the underbody of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed, the throttle body fail... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The back windshield on my 19 RDX spontaneously shattered on 1/5/2024 driving on the highway while using my rear defroster in cold weather. No warning lights. There is a known issue with this happening and a service bulletin 22-014 pertaining to this issue. My Insurance was notified. A glass repair shop and an Acura dealer both repaired my vehicle. Honda corporate refuses to acknowledge or pay... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became sticky while attempting to steer the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Hello. I'd like to report an engine oil consumption problem. I owe Hyundai sonata 2015, 9 years and 5 months. I have been having engine oil consumption problem over 2 years. It was not that serious around 2023 and 2024, also I know this car has oil consumption problem, so I checked engine oil frequently and refilled it when level went down below the "L" level. Last week, I had an engine alarm ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Upon opening my driver side door the handle came off in my hand. I went to open the rear driver passenger side door and that handle came off in my hand. A repair shop went to open the rear passenger side door that handle came off. My fourth attempt I went to open my passenger side door and that one opened but loose. I have to get on passenger side and shimmy over to the driver side and then drive.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel soon after an oil change. Additionally, the contact stated that there was oil accumulating around the exhaust pipe. Upon inspection of the engine, the contact discovered that oil was leaking from the piston rings. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the de... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH on a rainy day, the brake pedal was depressed; however, there was an abnormal squishing sound coming from the brake pedal, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated the vehicle went through the stop light and up onto a curb before the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
My car is stalling. There is a recall for the same year as my car. I called and check if my car was a part of the recall and it wasn’t. Clearly I am having the same issue. They should put all 2017 dodge grand caravan in this recall.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
My 2016 Mazda CX-5 has had ongoing issues with the infotainment. It freezes up in cold weather and the screen goes blank for long periods of time. This has been an ongoing issue with Mazda vehicles. I had to replace the SD Card in December 2024. The cost was $326.50. There is currently a class action lawsuit by Frederick Law Group 836 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, Pa 15701, Phone number 724-801-8... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
Several extremely dangerous situations occured within 6 months of purchasing brand new 2015, F-150, 3.5, 4x4 ecoboost king ranch model. While driving on interstate, in rain, passing an 18 wheeler, without warning forward collision lights go off and truck begins slamming the brakes on by itself and the car behind me had to slam on his brakes to avoid a SEVERE crash. I brought truck to dealership th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH during the snow, the driver's side and passenger’s side windshield wipers ceased to work as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was appr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was a loud booming sound coming from the roof of the vehicle. The contact later discovered that the glass sunroof had shattered and there were shards of glass falling from the roof of the vehicle. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and ma... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
SOS light is not working with active subscription, showing error light. Seems to be a problem as multiple Volkswagen owner are having the same issue.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
SOS light is not working with active subscription, showing error light. Seems to be a problem as multiple Volkswagen owner are having the same issue.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Having issues with the instrument panel cluster. It intermittent flickers and has gone black several times. The issue is the same as recall 30B from Mopar. My VIN is not included in the recall even though it falls under make, model and years affected. I feel that it should be replaced due to safety concerns. This issue has happened 4 times in the last month.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
Vehicle shut down completely while in the left lane of the highway. Thankfully she was able to maneuver it to the shoulder and started it back up and continued on. At 4 AM. Another four days later, the Jeep failed to start in the parking lot of work. Threw every code, including the "red wrench"- service hybrid electric vehicle system, check engine light and other others. We abandoned it in the pa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The pre-collision warning and the lane keep assist are disabled while driving frequently. It does this on its own. I have had into the shop one other time for the same thing. It’s happening more frequently now. Current mileage is 25,153. Also the personal settings on the dashboard reset on its own every five or so key cycles. Obviously there’s some kind of software problem.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The pre-collision warning and the lane keep assist are disabled while driving frequently. It does this on its own. I have had into the shop one other time for the same thing. It’s happening more frequently now. Current mileage is 25,153. Also the personal settings on the dashboard reset on its own every five or so key cycles. Obviously there’s some kind of software problem.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in the driveway and park(P), there was white smoke coming from of the rear glass into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle and exited the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that an abno... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The engine has blown for the 6.2L V8 Denali with 31,300 miles. I was told that this is happening on several of these engines. They told me it would be 3-4 months for repair as the engines are on backorder. I am not able to use a truck that I have purchased and am paying on.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
Brakes: The brake pedal occasionally oscillates while being depressed. This feels like a tickle and causes uncertainty of control while braking. Speed Control: Loss of speed control experienced during abrupt change in road level (in a construction zone). Loss of speed control engaged regenerative braking causing a sharp decrease in vehicle speed and stopping hazard to vehicles behind mine. Blind... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
Brakes: The brake pedal occasionally oscillates while being depressed. This feels like a tickle and causes uncertainty of control while braking. Speed Control: Loss of speed control experienced during abrupt change in road level (in a construction zone). Loss of speed control engaged regenerative braking causing a sharp decrease in vehicle speed and stopping hazard to vehicles behind mine. Blind... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
I hear weird sounds in the car and it smells like it's burning. The car stalls while driving and while in traffic.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The rear window spontaneously shattered. There was no extreme temperature or temperature change. The vehicle was parked when it happened. The entire rear window is gone to pieces.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
ABS sensor isn't working so it doesn't stop correctly. They say they can't get a new one because they are back ordered so this must be happening to other Ram trucks besides mine if they are back ordered so far out they can give me an ETA on one.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
On the morning of February 3rd, 2025, while driving, I heard a pop. A few seconds later, as I approached an intersection, a yellow warning appeared that instructed me to "Check the Electric Vehicle System". It minimized to a small caution light. I attempted to continue driving, pulling through the intersection; however, the vehicle had an abrupt loss of power; I was unable to proceed over 20-25 mp... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
4WD Unavailable Service 4WD. Vehicle has approximately 118,000 miles. Based on several forums this is a known issue by manufacturer.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
I was entering the freeway as I was merging from the on-ramp onto the freeway after it had rained that day the car began to spun out of control as I was trying to regain the vehicle it'slammed into the side rail bouncing off of it and then I stepped on the brakes but the car proceeded to go forward hit the rail again which caused the damage to the front bumper, hood, fenders, lighting system, and... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
At random times, but seemingly becoming a more frequent occurence, when the stop/start system engages & shuts the vehicle down at idle (at a stop light for example), the vehicle will not restart for a period of time afterwards. This has also happened on the highway multiple times in traffic in which the vehicle will not start for a short period of time. This is a big safety issue and I was almos... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
At random times, but seemingly becoming a more frequent occurence, when the stop/start system engages & shuts the vehicle down at idle (at a stop light for example), the vehicle will not restart for a period of time afterwards. This has also happened on the highway multiple times in traffic in which the vehicle will not start for a short period of time. This is a big safety issue and I was almos... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
There is a light on the dashboard that says Service Engin Soon
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); 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 expe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
My catalytic converter failed at roughly 70k miles (confirmed by mechanic and replaced). I have now been having transmission issues ever since, starting with the rpms jumping up on their own when trying to downshift (reproduced by mechanic) and ending with the car fully going into limp mode while in the middle of driving on the highway at speed. The former never triggered a light or produced codes... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
My catalytic converter failed at roughly 70k miles (confirmed by mechanic and replaced). I have now been having transmission issues ever since, starting with the rpms jumping up on their own when trying to downshift (reproduced by mechanic) and ending with the car fully going into limp mode while in the middle of driving on the highway at speed. The former never triggered a light or produced codes... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Under 45 degrees, the back door will not open. The latch is faulty and fails in moderate to severe cold weather. In an emergency where we would need to exit the rear of the vehicle, there’s no way to open the rear door from the inside or outside. It is under 45 degrees for about half the year where I live. It is more than just an inconvenience, it is a safety concern.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The vehicle wouldn't start once i started it the start stop light warning lamp illuminated. When i got to the redlight it stopped and shut off. I had the battery checked and it was ok but the auxilary battery was drained. I had the software updated a couple months back on a recall. It has a TSB u0485-00 that may be the problem. Stellantis has several star online pubs about it. They say since it h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 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 front driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached. The contact used duct tape on the front driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim. The lo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Multiple times the Prologue has been in service for high voltage system and reduced acceleration errors that have come on during charging.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Vehicle stalling at intersections and is very dangerous. Took vehicle to VW dealership and even though they know and told me the problem was the carbon canister they are unable to repair due to no check engine light or the ability to replicate during there 5 minute test drive. This vehicle need repaired before it causes my family to be involved in an accident and they are refusing even though they... Read more