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: Dec 9, 2024
On 12/13/24 after a software update my rear , front and side cameras stopped working. This includes blind spot cameras, and side turn signals. In addition the side mirrors are tiny because the car was designed to use cameras. The back window also has very low visibility. Tesla has confirmed that the car needs a new computer for all cameras and software navigation. The replacement computers are on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
Since the weather got colder, the driver's instrument cluster does not display immediately when the vehicle is powered on. When cold, the cluster takes from a few seconds to several minutes to come on. While it is off, there is no access to any warning lights or messages.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
ACCIDENT:Date: [XXX] Time: [XXX] Location: Balboa Park – San Diego – Morley Field Sports Center – Parking lot Parking lot - Google Maps Driver – Geico Insurance coverage || no passengers What: Nissan Leaf 2023 Model SV+ - 8410 miles -- Unintended Acceleration Incident Backing up to leave parking lot – with seat belt on – looked at rear view camera – clear. Backed up s... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The braking system of my 2024 BMW X6 (VIN: [XXX] ) is critically malfunctioning due to the unresolved safety recall 24V-104. The Integrated Brake System has failed, resulting in warning lamps and error messages on the dashboard. This has also caused essential safety systems, such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Emergency Braking, to stop functioning entirely. This situation is unacceptab... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Transmission went out. No warning. 145,000 miles. No lights on dash, nothing. Complete failure. Car started whining when accelerating out of nowhere, jerked really hard, and then failed completely. Have had it serviced and maintained regularly and always at the dealer. Ford is aware of the problem on these transmissions and doing nothing to fix it. Service department confirmed it’s an issue they... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
My car (2021 VW Atlas SE) has 63 xxx miles, and the left side running light just went out. I took it to the dealer, who informed me this wasn't covered by any warranty and that replacing the running light would cost $1400. This is ridiculous, and so after doing more research, I found that I am among hundreds of other owners of this vehicle type who are having the same issue around the 60k mile ma... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
This vehicle has been making a noise in the front left side since new (day one). The vehicle has been taken to the dealership about 10 times in attempt to fix this issue. During the last service, the dealership performed multiple tests and concluded that the noise source is the engine motor mounts. If they disconnect the electrical plug of the motor mounts all the noises are gone. Consequently... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
This vehicle has been making a noise in the front left side since new (day one). The vehicle has been taken to the dealership about 10 times in attempt to fix this issue. During the last service, the dealership performed multiple tests and concluded that the noise source is the engine motor mounts. If they disconnect the electrical plug of the motor mounts all the noises are gone. Consequently... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
My 2018 Honda odyssey EX-L had a power tailgate failure. It looks like the controls module has experienced water damage from a water leak. An independent service center has confirmed the issue. There was no warning before it happened and it is a safety issue as my tail gate cannot Be securely closed. This water leak looks to be manufacturer error.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Daily numerous warning alerts that the “Reduced Driver Assisantce - Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Parking Collision Warning and many more would constantly flash. 2 weeks in the shop and a camera was replaced. The warnings still continue. Feel very unsafe with all the failures.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Daily numerous warning alerts that the “Reduced Driver Assisantce - Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Parking Collision Warning and many more would constantly flash. 2 weeks in the shop and a camera was replaced. The warnings still continue. Feel very unsafe with all the failures.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of an unknown Class Action Lawsuit Number however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the moon roof detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light and there was no impact to have caused the failure. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer had previously replaced a piece on the moon roof. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the moon ro... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); 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 distribution... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and plastic strips were used to provide a temporary repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. Additionally, the message "Service Emissions" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. Additionally, the message "Service Emissions" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
UNKNOWN/ my car came up with an engine code . Trouble accelerating, tends to runs hot ( drive train malfunction
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. There was a yellow warning light illuminated with a message to take the vehicle to the dealer displayed. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching an intersection, the yellow warning light turned red. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly independently skidded... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. There was a yellow warning light illuminated with a message to take the vehicle to the dealer displayed. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching an intersection, the yellow warning light turned red. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly independently skidded... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
All cameras on the car are currently "unavailable" and does not display anything. The lack of cameras impact the ability to see the rear when going into reverse since the rear camera is not functioning. No forward collision warning, no automatic emergency braking and no parking collision warning because all rely on the cameras to function.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
All of the camera systems are not working (inlcuding the back-up camera), and navigation has failed as well. Followed all instructions on Telsa Manual and website, with no luck. Saftey features promised by the manufacturer don't work because of this. No warnings have appeared. I have scheduled service,at the soonest available time slot of December 27th, but I'm concerned about this happening with ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
I had a Juicebox 48 charger installed in my garage in late July 2024. Less than 6 months later, early in the morning on December 14th, when I was unplugging my charger it began emitting a loud beeping sound that sounded like an alarm, it also hadn't charged my car fully despite me setting my car to charge above 80% for that particular trip. When I returned that evening and tried to plug my car in ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
A transmission that was replaced in July of 2023 went bad un December of 2024 and dealership won't give reasons why transmission went bad or what caused a almost brand new transmission with less than 50,000 miles on it went bad. They are demanding we pay $5000.00 dollars on a transmission that was replaced under the extended warranty on cvt transmission from subaru. Which also extends to the brand... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
On December4th 2024 my car rolled forward into a barrier post. I stopped to get air in my tires and the Parking Allert went off as I got near the barrier post. I then parked my car. I left my car running and driver door partially opened. I dropped the valve cap between the spokes of the last tire being filled. So, I got into the car and backed up about three feet to get the cap. Parked the c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
I have had to have a problem with my power teain worked on at two different Hundia dealership I am having an issue where the horn just stops blowing and that isvery dangerous. After switching off and restarting the horn will work again.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
car would turn off randomly while driving; this primarily happened at red lights. After a moment was able to turn car back on and continue driving. Took car to mechanic and had something replaced; however, this issue continued. Took car to dealership and they confirmed that they could find nothing wrong with the car. Dealership that provided follow-up call that there was a potential fix to have PC... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I pulled out onto Southside Blvd. My brakes failed, my driver’s front of the car hit a Waste Management garbage truck right back tire and cut the sidewall of the tire. The engine was racing, the truck pulled off the road, and I had sudden unintended acceleration. I immediately turned into a strip center and my car was racing through the strip center, the brakes were not working, the car controls... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Windshield washer fluid is leaking from the reservoir/pump near the front driver side tire when the rear window wash is activated. The bottle already became empty once. There shouldn't be any leaking to begin with but this is also a safety issue if you actually have to use the windshield wash while on the road and there is no fluid in the bottle because it leaked out.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I purchased a new vehicle from the dealer in 2014 in 2019 the wood grain trim cracked. I had this replaced by the dealer in 2019. Now again, in 2024, the same issue the wood grain has cracked. This should not be happening every few years.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The right front suspension knuckle cracked and separated from the upper control arm and when the knuckle cracked it damaged the right front axle, right front strut and height sensor. Bear Valley Service (Land Rover specialists) replaced the right front suspension, knuckle, control arm, axle, air spring and height sensor. Fortunately it happened while backing out of my driveway/turning into the st... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 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 main control screen had blacked out and the safety features including ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); 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 for the recall repair. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
My BMW started leaking fluid 4 months ago. Lights on dash came on one light was the triangle light which engine light. I had it serviced completely oil & filter change hooked up to machine that checks all components senors everything checked out great. One week later I was driving I was coming to a stop my brakes sounded like they were grinding next day had mechanic check the brakes all good. Next... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
My BMW started leaking fluid 4 months ago. Lights on dash came on one light was the triangle light which engine light. I had it serviced completely oil & filter change hooked up to machine that checks all components senors everything checked out great. One week later I was driving I was coming to a stop my brakes sounded like they were grinding next day had mechanic check the brakes all good. Next... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
the car randomly goes into dead or limp mode and unable to start. need to jump start it to come alive. No codes shown once its jumstarted. it has happened at random on several occasions.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
On walk through rear awning flew off in slight breeze, took 4 years to get repaired with covid and parts availability, could have just as easily came off on the road, had two 3/4'' screws holding it on and into skin, not frame. Upon looking at bedroom night tables gap at front cap found rub marks on wallcovering and sawdust from rubbing/flexing cabinets from perceived frame flex. back garage man d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I got into my vehicle and when I closed my door, my rear window exploded. There was no one around the vehicle. There were no other vehicles broken into, it literally exploded on its own.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2021
I’ve been having issues with the front end since I purchased the vehicle. The dealership had not diagnosed this issue yet in 3 years. It had caused my vehicle to be in the shop continuously, my front driver side tire is worn out. I had to replace all brakes and rotors after 2 years, numerous sensor issues, radiator loses fluid as well as software issues.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2021
Since January 2024 I have had to replace the spark plugs more than 3 times. It has also had to have an oil change done at least every two months regardless of the miles that were put in it. BURNING OIL LIKE CRAZY Mid October 2024 a full tune up was done as well as oil change and less than two weeks later it started bucking like a bronco and all oil was gone out of it. Check engine light is on and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2021
Vehicle runs with reduced engine power. Was initially told the turbo needed cleaned, and it continued to happen. Then was told it needed to be replaced. The final result is that the tube that connects to the turbo keeps falling off. Being told there is no fix, and no recall, we just need to keep putting it back on when it pops off.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
All cameras stopped working. With this, all safety features are not working. I can’t see to back up at night. No collision avoidance, no lane departure warning, high beams don’t stay on, turn signal doesn’t stay on. It has been two weeks and Tesla has no fix. There was no warning, just noticed it one day as I was driving it and was very dangerous in dark snowy conditions. I called Tesla serv... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V720000 (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 that the vehicle was in Hawaii and was unable to be shipped back to the residence becau... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Brake light and several other lights suddenly came on. The brakes became spongy. Taken to a repair place close enough for walking for diagnostic work. It showed that the brake booster needs to be replaced. There was a campaign for this problem, so Toyota knows that it is/was a problem. That campaign has apparently ended. This is a very expensive repair on a car that I expected to use the rest of m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
When I break and stop the car power is reduced, at times it stalls out and be hard to start again when starting back up in traffic. This is also starting to happen in my other Forrester of the same year.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
2017 Ford Escape 1.5 ecoboost with only 50,571 miles. The engine failed as did the brakes due to the booster breaking off at the engine cam. I called Ford Motor Company and they asked me to take it to a Ford dealer because they have a customer service program on that engine which extended the power train warranty period to seven years. I notified Ford of the engine failure in August 2024, made an ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
I was in an accident on December 9 at 2 pm it was slightly wet out & 51 degrees i was making a left turn out of a business went into the middle lane and gave some gas to merge into the lane and the back end of the vehicle locked up and swung into a tail spin to the right as I applied the brakes it locked up worse and the vehicle spun around twice. Went into oncoming traffic and was hit. Had to exi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Hi I brought my 2021 kia k5 got line last February 2023 around 44k miles I have had coolant leak where nobody can tell me where is the leak coming from I look online and other Kia owner have had the same issues
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the headlights turned off independently. The contact was able to manually turn on and turn off the headlights to see the roadway. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact was using the high beam headlights instead of the low beam headlights. The contact stated that while swit... Read more