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 11, 2025
I had to pay out of pocket NHSTA safety recall service for water pump replacement and mandatory vehicle safety software update. This is wrong and I demand investigations and refunds.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Service High Voltage System warning. Have had this come up on my car and I have seen that this is a design issue with the battery cooling system. I am glad that the car did not just shut off while I was driving. Honda/GM need to make this car right. And this issue is happening to everyone. Please help us.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
The contact owned a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH going north on [XXX] towards [XXX] , another vehicle made a sudeen left turn. As a result, the vehicle T-boned the vehicle that was making a left turn, then the contact's vehicle came to a stop, and the other vehicle was flipped over. There were no warning lights illuminated.The air bag deployed, the cove... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH and following a curve to the right, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but occurred at various speeds while turning to the right or the left. The contact researched online and became aware... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
Three incidents have occurred in three months. Unintended Acceleration Incident #1. While turning right after a full stop on an uphill incline, the vehicle accelerated so quickly that the steering wheel couldn't be return to the neutral position before hitting a roadside signpost approximately 25 ft away. The impact was severe enough to cause the right front headlight to be broken, the right fro... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 65-75 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the vehicle experienced a death wobble. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle were shuddering violently, nearly causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon decelerating to 20 MPH, the vehicle failure ceased, and the con... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
I have had 2 incidents involving drivetrain failure which almost resulted in accidents. On 26 September 2024, I was in left lane passing other vehicles when suddenly my vehicle (2021 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk) started jerking, felt and sounded like something exploded under vehicle. I was among a group of vehicles, including semi trucks with trailers, both behind me as well as along side me. Vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
When driving. Slow down to turn or to use round about car goes into EV. When i go to accelerate the gas motor will not re engage and the hybrid alarm system will go off. I lose all power to go any where. I have to pull over shut my car off give it a min then restart so the motor will come back on so i can drive again. I have to do this mulitple time in a 20 mile drive.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I am writing to formally express my frustration and deep concern regarding Recall 94B, which affects my 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude and currently has no available remedy. This recall, as confirmed by Fox Chrysler Jeep in Southfield, MI, directly impacts critical safety features, including the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and other key functions essential for the safe operation of my vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I am writing to formally express my frustration and deep concern regarding Recall 94B, which affects my 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude and currently has no available remedy. This recall, as confirmed by Fox Chrysler Jeep in Southfield, MI, directly impacts critical safety features, including the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and other key functions essential for the safe operation of my vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns an Evenflo Car Seat, Model Type: Revolve 360, Model Number: 35322405a, Manufactured Date: July 16, 2022. The contact stated that the car seat failed to rotate around as intended. After several attempts, the car seat failed to function as intended. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered instructions on how to unlock the car seat. However, the contact still experie... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while reversing approximately 3 MPH into a parking space, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and all four wheels locked up. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who diag... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
I have been waiting on the recall to be fixed for almost 2 years now. I've contacted Ford more times than I can remember, and they don't do anything other than say it's not available yet. I have had to replace the transmission, had many small repairs thinking it was something other than the recall. (I've paid over 2.5k in repairs and 1k in Ubers out of pocket) has 49000 miles, and I do not feel ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
With no warnings from the vehicle, I noticed a loud knocking sound while driving home. I was able to make it home and have the vehicle towed to the dealer where it was found to be in engine failure due to failure of engine bearing. I had to have a complete engine replacement. My car only had 65k miles and was purchased brand new and had all regular maintenance completed at the local chevy deale... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 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 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 r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shook abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The contact stated that all four tires were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to Midas but was not diagnosed or repaire... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
While we were driving at a high speed all control of the vehicle shut down. There was absolutely no warning that this was going to happen to that anything in the vehicle was breaking down. We were able to get to the side of the road and the vehicle locked into N. From that point on the car did not work. After being looked at my GMC, they decided that it needs a new engine. It only has under 15K mi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the transmission independently shifted into neutral. The contact coasted the vehicle to a stop on the side of the highway, restarted the vehicle, and continued driving normally. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that no cause for the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
passenger front seat presence sensor says someone is sitting in the seat even when empty. also seat belt warning light and audible alert is affected. I occasionally have four small children In the vehicle which is concerning because the airbag could go off when a child is sitting in the front seat.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the oil light was flashing on the instrument panel while turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
Incident #1 ([XXX]) - while driving on [XXX} at 70 MPH in Sarasota I experienced and complete loss of engine power. The car coasted from 70 MPH down to 35 MPH until the EV kicked in. I was very fortunate as were the other driers not be involved in a serious accident. I reported this situation to Kia NA and was assigned this case number [XXX] Kia had the car from [XXX] until [XXX]. They told me... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Car shut off while driving.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
I had a recall on this vehicle, cable/bushing broke on shifter connecting to transmission, shifter does not work stays in park. Recall was repaired 12/2019. This issue has happened again, vehicle not driving. Called dodge dealer they say they are not fixing again, recall only covered for 2 years.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
I purchased a 2017 Kia Forte from a used car dealer. Two weeks after I picked up the car, the car stalled at intersections. I checked it out at a Midas and they found that oil was not getting to the engine and it needed a new engine. I towed it back to the dealer because it was within the Lemon law, under 75,000 miles. He said he fixed it, and replaced the engine, but after I picked it up, the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
I purchased a 2017 Kia Forte from a used car dealer. Two weeks after I picked up the car, the car stalled at intersections. I checked it out at a Midas and they found that oil was not getting to the engine and it needed a new engine. I towed it back to the dealer because it was within the Lemon law, under 75,000 miles. He said he fixed it, and replaced the engine, but after I picked it up, the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I can’t even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 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 stated that wh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
I own a 2016 Mercedes Benz c300 4matic 44,000 miles and i started my car to pick my girlfriend up and 3-5 mins into the drive my check engine light popped up i went to get it scanned and code “P052E” came back, I did some research about the part and i come across a forum called MBworld and many others are having this same problem. I ask for a recall.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
The Hyundai Bluelink system in my car, which interfaces with interfaces with almost all other computer-controlled systems on the car and through which software updates can be received and installed fails to work on an intermittent basis and the onboard system gives no warning when the Bluelink system has an outage or other malfunction. Large numbers of Hyundai vehicles suffered Bluelink outages be... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
The Hyundai Bluelink system in my car, which interfaces with interfaces with almost all other computer-controlled systems on the car and through which software updates can be received and installed fails to work on an intermittent basis and the onboard system gives no warning when the Bluelink system has an outage or other malfunction. Large numbers of Hyundai vehicles suffered Bluelink outages be... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
In 2023, I purchased my 2012 Chevrolet Equinox from a private seller. It was in excellent condition, inside and out with only 75,000 miles on it. She had purchased it brand new. The vehicle was serviced and maintained regularly. She gave me all the receipts and service records when I signed the title. Everything was fine until it hit 76,000 miles. Without any type of warning, the motor went in lim... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Frame failure in front end of fifthwheel. Reported and rewarded at factory. Failure to install all lag bolts holding front of frame to structure. Four baggage doors damaged from movement.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
approx. 8 weeks ago, The OnStar Module stopped working. Took it in for repair, dealer tells me "No ETA on a replacement part, we will keep in touch" After further investigation, I went on the OnStar and Chevy message boards, and I've discovered that this issue has been going on for over 6 months in some cases and there are ALOT, i mean ALOT of people having the same problem. This problem causes a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
approx. 8 weeks ago, The OnStar Module stopped working. Took it in for repair, dealer tells me "No ETA on a replacement part, we will keep in touch" After further investigation, I went on the OnStar and Chevy message boards, and I've discovered that this issue has been going on for over 6 months in some cases and there are ALOT, i mean ALOT of people having the same problem. This problem causes a... Read more
BMW
530I
(2024) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Feb 25, 2025
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
BMW
530I
(2024) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Feb 25, 2025
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 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 25, 2025
There is lack of information on how to file a complaint for a dealer not repairing a recall in a timely manner on this website. This complaint is in regards to the safety recall on my Jeep 4XE- Recall 95B/NHTSA 24V-720. I made an appointment for this recall and took it to Franklin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Franklin TN. They have had my Jeep for 2 days working on this recall. The letter I recei... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Ptu burnt out less than 53k miles. Molding on passenger side broke off while driving 60mph struck another vehicle causing to other vehicle to leave road. Thank God no one was injured. This thing could have killed a motorcycle driver. Checked online and there are thousands of reports of same molding breaking off while driving.ford tn# does not recognize and disconnects call.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Ptu burnt out less than 53k miles. Molding on passenger side broke off while driving 60mph struck another vehicle causing to other vehicle to leave road. Thank God no one was injured. This thing could have killed a motorcycle driver. Checked online and there are thousands of reports of same molding breaking off while driving.ford tn# does not recognize and disconnects call.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
Engine oil cooler - This Mopar factory part is sub par. It is made out of metal and plastic and placed in the hottest spot of the vehicle and fails at approx 50, 000 miles. After I have done some research at local garages, this item failure is very common. I think Jeep Chrysler Dodge needs to take action for a recall.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (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: Feb 17, 2025
Power Steering EPAS Torque Sensor Failure.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Car shutdown and shifted on its own down to neutral from drive. Was driving on highway. Never was able to shift to another gear after pulling over. Computer board was completely blank. Engine would never restart. This is the second engine to go out in this vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
There is a cracked cylinder head cover and the oil leaks from the crack onto the manifold causing smoke and burning smell. I have read several examples on Mazda forums [XXX] ; [XXX] ) of this happening with the Mazda CX-5. A former Mazda mechanic posted he would see a couple vehicles a week at his dealership that experienced this problem. The odor of the burning oil onto the manifold is overpower... Read more