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: Apr 5, 2025
When shifting to reverse it shifts back to park And it will not move forward or reverse I nearly had someone rear ended me as I backed up from my driveway. This has happened numerous times that I am afraid to drive it. The mileage right now is only 216 miles since bought in December 2024.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Kia Sorento Limited 2015. Regular oil changes on engine using Valvoline synthetic oil. 118k miles on the 3.3L engine. Car is in mint condition. I have all records. At oil change, Valvoline tech mentioned it was low on oil. Never had a tech tell me that before. 24 hours after oil change, I started the engine and heard a pinging noise. I let the engine warm up and the sounds smoothed out. I drove ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
RECEIVING SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM. SEEMS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH TRUCK AND SHOULD BE A RECALL THAT GM FIX AND NOT PUT ONTO CUSTOMER
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The rear sliding glass/defrost has a defect in where is short out and overheats the contacts. This in turn get so hot that is start to melt contacts and all the plastic where the contacts are in addition the rear window shatters. Gm has a recall N192265660 but my vin isnt included. Contacted GM they sent me to this site.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine and High Pressure Fuel Pump warning lights was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact did research and was made aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle w... Read more
BMW
428I
(2015) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Apr 3, 2025
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with cruise control activated, the RPM's suddenly increased to over 4,000 and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
Car uses quart 1/2 for 300miles gives no warning of lo oil level . This will lead to engine failure while driving.Dealer acknowledges consumption issues offers combustion maintenance at customer expense but service technician says save money as service doesn’t work.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
Car uses quart 1/2 for 300miles gives no warning of lo oil level . This will lead to engine failure while driving.Dealer acknowledges consumption issues offers combustion maintenance at customer expense but service technician says save money as service doesn’t work.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
My engine is burning oil at an alarming rate, my car is not recognizing low oil, so I no oil lights are appearing. I have to go to the oil change place weekly to have my oil checked. When my oil is low, I have to pay to have my oil replenished between months of my oil changes. My and my son safety was put at risk, when I found out at an oil change visit, I had less than an quart of oil I was drivi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his son was driving 60 MPH on the highway, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into second gear while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that an unknown warning light had illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed again however, the vehicle remained in first gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
CUSTOMER STATES CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS, PER CUSTOMER - THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT AREA. INSPECT AND ADVISE. NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT AREA. * REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT AXLE **PART IS CURRENTLY ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER. POSSIBLE RELEASE IN MAY**
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
CUSTOMER STATES CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS, PER CUSTOMER - THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT AREA. INSPECT AND ADVISE. NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT AREA. * REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT AXLE **PART IS CURRENTLY ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER. POSSIBLE RELEASE IN MAY**
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V494000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 24V700000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), and 24V071000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and coming up to an intersection, the vehicle ahead of the contact had stopped in front of the contact due to a crash. The contact attemp... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The vehicle is a 2025 BMW X7 M60i purchased in New Mexico on [XXX]. The car's emergency call system and navigation became disabled on [XXX] after taking the vehicle to a car wash. Subsequently the car was brought to the BMW dealer for repairs; however, the problem recurred after several days, dashboard now showing a traction control warning light. Since the initial malfunction on [XXX], this car h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
ICCU failure, no time line for replacement Car at dealer for over a month
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
ICCU failure, no time line for replacement Car at dealer for over a month
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
Multiple Electrical parts became faulty starting with 3 tire sensors, then the front passenger airbag sensor, immediately followed by both rear sensor control modules. Milage at onset was approx 85000. Brought to dealer for dx due to my vehicle applying breaks when it shouldn’t, when auto start/stop was still on, the vehicle powersteering would stop working intermittently when going from a stopp... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
A warning popped up on my dashboard stating "Power steering reduced. Drive with care." multiple times. Whenever the warning popped up, my air conditioning would stop working and my engine fan would run very loud. The warning would go off and back on over the course of a year. This started in the beginning of summer, 2024. On 4/3/25 I took it into an auto mechanic shop and after they looked at this... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The doors won't lock. The button on the handle won't work sometimes. It's just random. This has happened 4 times in the last 2 years I have owned the car. I have to use app to lock and unlock the car. Once I drive it again everything is fine.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The doors won't lock. The button on the handle won't work sometimes. It's just random. This has happened 4 times in the last 2 years I have owned the car. I have to use app to lock and unlock the car. Once I drive it again everything is fine.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The gear shift when placed in park and the car ignition turned off would cause an alarm to go off and a message to show up on the dash that the gear shift should be placed in parks (which it was in already). When I contacted the GM in CA dealer and talked to him he advised me it was a common problem and the was a shortage of parts to repair but bring it in because the alarm would where down the b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
My [XXX] daughter was a front seat passenger in her friend‘s car the 2017 Tiguan when the driver swerved to avoid another car and struck a pole. The damage was primarily on the front passenger side of the car. My daughter hit the windshield. It was broken in two places and she sustained several other injuries. The airbags never deployed. The car was totaled. I’m interested in knowing whether ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Cargo Bay doors open while driving. The skirting screws along the wheel wells have become loose and started flapping while driving. refrigerator doors opened spilling contents while driving. The table lock failed and the table came loose while driving. water leaks in the undercarriage. front jacks and brackets are bent or broken. Have found sawdust on the counters and floor after driving.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Cargo Bay doors open while driving. The skirting screws along the wheel wells have become loose and started flapping while driving. refrigerator doors opened spilling contents while driving. The table lock failed and the table came loose while driving. water leaks in the undercarriage. front jacks and brackets are bent or broken. Have found sawdust on the counters and floor after driving.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
I hit the start button on my car and it began to flicker lights and start over and over again then it started an electrical fire in the front of the vehicle. We had to quickly disconnect the battery to get it to stop trying to start. I took it to the dealer and they said it was a defective starter. If I didn’t have tools or if my car was in the garage I could have been asphyxiated or my house c... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the recall repair was completed. The contact was advised by the mechanic at the dealer that the system update caused the e-brake to seize, and the dealer was awaiting the delivery of the part ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power and the driver observed a high pitch sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Honda is not completing this recall in a reasonable manner, and despite claiming parts are available they are not. After two years of delays, and now threats that our registration will be not renewed if we do not perform the recall, Honda still does not have the parts. Furthermore, they want you to bring in the car, have it inspected, after which they will decide if they want to replace the part... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
While maneuvering in parking lot car would not shift from Reverse to Drive after backing out of parking place, error on dash stated shift module failure. Tow truck driver manually engaged shifter to drive, too car to Freeman Ford. Upon inspection shifter grommet at transmission had worn not allowing car to change gears, $4 in parts, $300 in labor to fix. Fortunately the car was just blocking a pos... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
2018 Subaru Forester stalling in intersection Prior there was an occasional delay in starting. After light changed I was starting to move down a hill toward expressway entrance at about 25 mph. I was in the middle lane and all cars were coming behind me at 50mph. I just entered the intersection when my car just stopped. It would not move. I was trying the gas pedal but car did not move. Sudden... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The ABS, traction control, and Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The contact was close by and drove and parked the vehicle at the residence. The following day, the contact started the vehicle and after driving for 4 mil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
I am reporting multiple serious issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0, which has only 30,000 miles. Despite the low mileage, the vehicle is experiencing major safety and quality problems. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light stays on constantly, indicating a system failure. On startup, the car sometimes applies the brakes by itself, and there’s a loud noise like something is stuc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
I went for my regular wheel alignment last week and was told my tires need to be replaced - the tread was down to 3/32. I only have 30000 miles on the vehicle. I called Continental and was told the tires are considered a "performance" tire and therefore have no tread warranty. I bought a new set o Michelin Defender tires today. When I look on line, Tire Rack for example says the tires should b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
I went for my regular wheel alignment last week and was told my tires need to be replaced - the tread was down to 3/32. I only have 30000 miles on the vehicle. I called Continental and was told the tires are considered a "performance" tire and therefore have no tread warranty. I bought a new set o Michelin Defender tires today. When I look on line, Tire Rack for example says the tires should b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The system just shuts down. It may start working again but when it shuts down it is like you put on the brakes. Is usafe if you are being followed. 65
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
vehicle shutters when downshifting/slowing. Most commonly at cruising speeds between 40 and 50 mph, but does occur at lower speeds as well. Vehicle can be felt vibrating/shaking consistently every time it is driven. Was taken into a dealership, was not adequately diagnosed as it was only test driven 1 mile per the paperwork and they could not duplicate the issue and was told they were "in the busi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
I am describing a potential incident. The tow mirrors are so large on this vehicle that is virtually impossible to determine if cars are coming, especially when making a left turn. They are creating an extreme safety hazard. There are a huge number of people on the internet describing near collisions and paying dealerships huge amounts of money to replace these mirrors.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Sunday March 23, 2025 vehicle would not restart after the auto engine idle shut off feature turned off the engine. Attempted to restart several time with no success. Vehicle finally did restart when jumped the battery. Could be a safety hazard being stuck in traffic. Have not reported to dealer but will on next scheduled service. No warning lamps indicated a problem but every lamp on the dash... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Transmission was changing gears with a very noticeable jerk. Transmission would downshift without warning at various speeds. Transmission would not shift into gear when lever moved from forward to reverse - would stay in neutral Fortunately, the vehicle warranty had been extended, and repairs were accomplished under that. But your recent investigation of F-150 years 2015 - 2017 should be extende... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
While stopped at a busy intersection under a red light our 2020 Honda Passport's 'Auto Idle Stop Function' had automatically stopped the engine with the brakes applied, upon releasing the brakes the engine did not restart as it was supposed to. I reapplied the brakes which were no longer 'powered brakes' and tried ot restart the vehicle but it would not start. A message came up on the dash to put ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Vehicle shuts off completely off while driving intermittently. This issue has happened several times starting at 15000 miles. Vehicle has been back to dealership more than once regarding this issue. No codes are detected during diagnostics. UNSAFE
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
NHTSA has already made a recall for some Ford transit models with this issue. See Campaign #25V168000 Summary Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 transit vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22v-791. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (hvac) system's controls, including those for defog and defrost, may become inoperative. Safety Risk Loss of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
NHTSA has already made a recall for some Ford transit models with this issue. See Campaign #25V168000 Summary Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 transit vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22v-791. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (hvac) system's controls, including those for defog and defrost, may become inoperative. Safety Risk Loss of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
When I bought my vehicle in 2021. The brakes makes a squeaky noise when backing up. I took to dealer and the mechanic said it was normal his wife have the same car and her Bronco does the same thing. The brakes still makes noise when backing up and it’s year 2025. I’m thinking about going to another brake pad but buying a new vehicle for it to squeak is not right.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact shifted from park (P) to drive(D) and was eventually able to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the letter P(park) was outlined in yellow and was illuminated on the instrument panel. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to cl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The rods broke. The lifters are faulty and the power cuts off in the middle of driving. The car was taken back to the dealership and the cam shaft was replaced as well as the rods. However, after getting it back the car looses power and will not accelerate. It is currently in the shop as I type this complaint.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Vehicle enters into a conserve power warning and will not start. While operating the vehicle in drive vehicle will lose power and deactivate all safety and control features. Contacted Ford and no remedy or assistance will be provided.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Vehicle enters into a conserve power warning and will not start. While operating the vehicle in drive vehicle will lose power and deactivate all safety and control features. Contacted Ford and no remedy or assistance will be provided.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Apparently the recall was fix with the fuel system, however the car is still losing power as you drive it.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
1. The red wrench light, accompanied by a "service hybrid electric vehicle system" 2. The unconnect box needing to be serviced screen is also always popping up when the car turns on. Dealer was notified and did nothing about it.