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: Jan 6, 2025
During driving, especially when it is cold outside, the Subaru Eyesight Pre-Collision system (automatic emergency braking) can be triggered by exhaust smoke from a vehicle in front of it. The braking system can be falsely activated, which could cause your vehicle to be hit from behind. There is no way to adjust the sensitivity of this system. It is only meant to be activated by objects, but since ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was pulling to the right. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
REAR MAIN SEAL GONE BAD DUE TO ENGINE DEFECT NOTED IN GM SERVICE BULLETIN PIP5093C WHICH IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE ENGINE.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. 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 contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floor... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Several times a year since having my 2021 Compass, as I'm driving my car shuts off out of no where and a message on my dashboard lights up in regards to the coolant system. The car is never overheated when this happens and both of my batteries have been changed. It has happened to me in the middle of going through intersections, at stoplights, and while driving. It is NOT SAFE to have your car shu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was a loud sound coming from the exhaust and there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while attempting to start her vehicle, the instrument panel was dark. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to have the dealer apply for a goodwill assist... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-35 MPH, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal after driving a short distance. The oil pressure warning light illuminated a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Unknown, I was driving on the Highway when all of a sudden my car came to a stop with the engine smoking up. I had it tow to my house and had my brother in law who is a car mechanic come check and he states that it is the connecting rod bearing. We see recalls on it for other same car model and year, but not for my VIN.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
I have been waiting 12 months for Ford to provide my local dealer with the parts required to fix the window pillars that can come loose, as referenced in the open recall (24V031000). Several months ago, one of the recalled pillars flew off on the freeway, causing the car behind me to swerve at 70mph. Fortunately, nobody got hurt. My local dealer has tried & tried to get the parts from Ford Moto... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The rear camera in this vehicle is not functioning properly, and it is a known issue on other models of this year.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the A-pillar trims partially detached. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed sp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 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 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 while drivi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Roof Membrane separating from nose cap, nose cap separating from roof membrane. 5th wheel pin box sinking up into rv upper deck when lowering onto the truck. Cargo and main doors open during transport. Sawdust on dresser in nose of the RV. Lag Screws unscrewing and/or loose in the upper deck. Stress fractures in fiberglass on the cap of RV. Pinch molding coming loose from underside of 5th Wheel sk... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
I purchased a 2015 Acura RDX used for my kids to drive. A year after owning it, I noticed the headlight output was poor. Things came to a head when my 16 year old son came home and told me he felt unsafe driving. The car currently has 120,000 miles on it. I tried multiple headlight restoration kits and several replacement bulbs but nothing helped. After digging deep into various forums, I learned... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Brakes grab hard at 4 MPH. I've had to software updates from a Ford dealer. It helps for about 100 miles then comes back. Initially, the software was put in because the brakes were grabbing dangerously at a fast speed and I would often hear a loud bang. But the software got rid of that issue and now left me with the current brake issue at 4 MPH. It sometimes causes a "hard stop". I have recently b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Purchased Dec 4, 2019; followed maintenance requirements through BO Beukcman Quality Ford. Oil changes made IAW Ford guidelines every 5000 miles. Oil change was made Nov 23, 2023 at 49,504 miles. Just before next oil change noticed engine knocking on acceleration/deceleration with intermittent check engine light on. Oil changed at 54,226 miles (Aug 22, 2024). Condition mentioned to dealer. De... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was no... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle while at a stop. The contact detected fumes underneath the hood and there was oil on the alternator. The contact stated that the tires were replaced, but the vehicle was not aligned. The contact stated that the driveshaft had dropped and was making an abnormal rubbing sound. The oil... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
While traveling out of town the key fob unpaired from the vehicle while stopped at a gas station. We were locked out of the vehicle and the key fob would not unlock the vehicle. We were able to use the app to unlock the vehicle, but the vehicle would not detect the key. We replaced the batter in the key fob, but the issue persisted. Luckily we used Youtube to find a solution, which is to place the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated while parked at the gas station, the fuel gauge became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that recalls... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving at 35 to 40 MPH, the engine stalled. However, the vehicle rolled slowly; the contact stated an abnormal sound could be heard coming from the engine. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and received unknown... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
Took my car to my mechanic said that coolant was draining into my 2.0 ecoboost engine in cylinder 4 causing misfire, white smoke to come out of my pipes, sweet antifreeze smell in the cabin. Have to constantly dump coolant into the car so that it doesn't over heat.when i start the car in the morning it acts as if the car is going to die if I don't hit the gas. Contacted ford, they said it was my p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
A warning comes on stating the Pre-Collision Assist not available and does not go away. Adaptive Cruise Control and Standard Cruise Control also do not work. It has been at the dealer and they can not get it to work. From reading online this has happened to a handful of 2024 Ford Super Dutys.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
While driving the vehicle I received a "drivetrain malfunction" message and the vehicle engine stopped and refused to start. The vehicle message further indicated that the vehicle was not driveable to contact the service center. The vehicle has been previously serviced for this same issue and the dealer indicated it was a known issue, but there was no solution offered by the manufacturer at this... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
This Jeep has gone back to the dealership 3 times for dangerous Undrivability, twice on the back of a tow truck, and third time retrieved by the dealer for repair. It has endangered my family on multiple occasions, each for a different reason, making this car unsafe to have my family drive in. It is less than one year old. Only 1 month after purchasing, it died in a parking lot with my family i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
This Jeep has gone back to the dealership 3 times for dangerous Undrivability, twice on the back of a tow truck, and third time retrieved by the dealer for repair. It has endangered my family on multiple occasions, each for a different reason, making this car unsafe to have my family drive in. It is less than one year old. Only 1 month after purchasing, it died in a parking lot with my family i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Rear passenger door won’t open from inside or outside. Safety concern
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Vehicle Information: • Make: Tesla • Model: Model Y • Year: 2025 Description of the Problem: After a software update pushed by Tesla, the AP4 computer in my 2024 Tesla Model Y shorted out, causing a complete failure of all systems controlled by this computer. The following safety-critical and driver-assist features have become non-functional: Cruise Control (adaptive or otherwise) ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Vehicle Information: • Make: Tesla • Model: Model Y • Year: 2025 Description of the Problem: After a software update pushed by Tesla, the AP4 computer in my 2024 Tesla Model Y shorted out, causing a complete failure of all systems controlled by this computer. The following safety-critical and driver-assist features have become non-functional: Cruise Control (adaptive or otherwise) ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
UNKNOWN This morning I started my car and nine code were thrown, my car was just serviced and inspected at a Honda dealership about a week ago and nothing indicated a catastrophic issue that is presenting itself now. Nine separate codes have been thrown an emissions system, two brake system, electric power steering, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, adaptive cruise control, collision mi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Went to use the brakes and they would not work. Had to swerve into a ditch to stop. ABS and Traction issue.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
BMW updates the car software by sending Remote Software Updates (RSU) using the the Over The Air (OTA) method. The updates include Driver Assistance updates and fixes. My car amongst many other BMW owners worldwide are reporting on the internet that the RSU process is not working and that the updates download OTA to the car but they do not do the final installation step. FYI OTA is currently the o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Went 12/21/24 Coggin Honda Orlando for oil change and they also do safety recall campaign fuel pump motor. After replacement still with problem worst because have problem starting the vehicle. When for 2 time they fix pinched o-ring, get the car worse this time my car shut off when backing up. When 3 time they change again fuel pump this time inside the car smell too much gasoline have drive back ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Check engine light received a diagnosis from Mercedes dealership that the crankcase ventilator line is malfunctioning and it’s a very common issue with this model. The transmission stalls during driving, the gears do not jump properly and the car cannot reverse, extremely dangerous at intersections and on the highway. Car needs to be turned off, cooled and restarted. This issue first appeared wi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Check Right Tail and Brake Lamps warning light will not go off for months. They are working fine but the light won't go off. Googling on MB World, it shows Mercedes is aware of this problem and a recall is needed to get it corrected being safety issue with warning lights not working properly. See all info. below from owners, conversations and work done by dealers, etc. People note it is a middle s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The engine failed while driving on the highway. All lights flashed on dashboard and loss of power to the vehicle. There were no prior check engine lights on before it activated and started flashing. Piston 3 failure that had to be replaced (pistons 1-3). Engine had been burning oil but no low oil indication had been illuminated nor was car due for an oil change. Spark plugs and ignition coil had b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
On Thursday last week, I went out to my car that I have parked in the garage the day before I had no issues with the vehicle drove it all day, but on Thursday, I left home to go out to make some errands hopped in my car and I tried to start it. First car wouldn’t turn on, so I thought maybe I should turn off headlights and interior lights. Then I waited a few minutes and thought maybe the cold t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the infotainment system was independently switching devices on and off. The contact stated that he had observed that the message "Box Error Disconnecting - Take Vehicle to an Authorized Dealer" was displayed intermittently. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and de... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driving assist and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the turn signal and steering wheel modules needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure persisted with the message that the engine was overheating before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic on two separate occasions where the spark plugs and other engine repairs were performed; however, the failu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
HMI module failed. Distraction from road because the display pops on and off. Im not taking in my car because there are forums and forums discussing this issue. Not inspected by anybody either. There were no warnings, it just stopped working 2 weeks ago.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
My windshield wipers stopped working. I have tested the motor and the multi switch. They’re all functioning. There is a recall for windshield wipers just not for my VIN number same make and model