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: Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 recall repair. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
The accelerating pedal is the one that was affect it is available upon request for inspection. It put me in danger because while I was driving, it snapped off. Has not been inspected by others. There was no warning lamps and it just happened out of nowhere as well. I was driving.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear backup camera fails to show in the display and/or freezes. This happens inconsistently so it is not easy to reproduce. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When backing up and using the camera, when the camera feed freezes it could look like nothing is behind the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
My car keeps indicating that my battery is low because it is discharging after car is turned off. I kept smelling a burning smell and finally discovered that my battery was burning a hole in my trunk lining. The battery has melted the plastic covering the positive terminal on the left side. And it was smoking on fire when I opened my trunk.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Driver's side view mirror constantly shakes making impossible to use while driving. Makes you sick when looking at it. Unsafe to make lane change.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Driver's side view mirror constantly shakes making impossible to use while driving. Makes you sick when looking at it. Unsafe to make lane change.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
While driving vehicle on highway the Ford Focus started down shifting while accelerating. This caused the car to not be able to reach sufficient speeds on the road and could have caused an accident. With my family in the car I exited the highway and drove the vehicle home, with the car continuously down shifting and not being able to accelerate as designed. The transmission has known problems and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
While driving vehicle on highway the Ford Focus started down shifting while accelerating. This caused the car to not be able to reach sufficient speeds on the road and could have caused an accident. With my family in the car I exited the highway and drove the vehicle home, with the car continuously down shifting and not being able to accelerate as designed. The transmission has known problems and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was clogged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic c... Read more
BMW
328I
(2015) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Nov 26, 2024
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was clogged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Approximately 1.5 years ago my 2015 Ram 1500 Antilock Brake light came on along with the messages service trailer brake system, service antilock brake system, and service electronic brake system. I have taken it to different dealers and auto mechanics to have it fixed only to be told that parts are no longer available. I was told by service department at dealer that I needed an ABS Module. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
About 8 weeks ago first my driver side speaker in the front went out then my passenger low beam light had went out and I had replaced twice then my AC quit working. I thought it was a fuse or battery or alternator issue even checked if it was it a relay fuse and it was not. Then my dash lit up ESC off and then my back driver side brake has been locked up and squealing really bad than my power stee... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the message to “Shift to Park to Proceed” warning light illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and shifted the gear shifter into park. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving in traffic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
When making a right turn, and turning speed, our new cars braking system activated, locked the brakes, and steering wheel, causing the vehicle to slide into oncoming traffic. The cars safety system overrode the driver, now allowing me to maneuver away from on coming traffic until the vehicle came to a complete stop. I believe the reason it did this, is the cars safety system thought it was about t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the "Power Steering Fault Drive with Care" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was became aware of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was no... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
2022 kia soul, engine failed on the highway interstate. was traveling on [XXX] at 70mph and I slowed down due to an accident infant of me and went to accelerate again and my car shut down. and thats is when my engine failed. This is not safe at all. Took three weeks to get fixed car was only t 61,000 miles also head gasket was leaking at the time they found. But plenty of oil and jut had an oil ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
These tires were Factory on vehicle. Made Tom Bush BMW in Florida on Atlantic Avenue aware of this problem. [XXX] specifically GM [XXX] All FOUR tires at and/or before service at 8,500 miles were BALD and/or bad with a Mother driving vehicle. Vehicle is not raced on a track, course and/or road. Imagine spending 4k ever 8-9 thousand miles? Approximate cost to replace is $3,500.00-$4,000.0 The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
For some unknown reason the car will suddenly display multiple warning lights, check engine, service needed, traction control off/inactive then the car will go into reduced engine power mode which prevents acceleration and causes the car to feel like it’s going to stall or shut off. This has happened several times on major high speed highways causing other cars to slam on their breaks, drive rec... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Brought into Ford dealership for recalls to be done and when I picked my car up, no recalls were performed
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled, with the "Engine Error Fault" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated, and the infotainment screen was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (POWER TRAIN); 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 contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the clutch pedal was dep... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The engine seized at 37,500 miles. It is available for inspection. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. There has been no inspections by manufacturer or any other representative. There were no warning signs. Manufacturer offered no warranties.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2020
Front driver seat , keep sliding when u hit on breaks on the left legs where seat controls are located the balance between right thigh and left thigh is not well measured so becomes increasingly uncomfortable when thicker person driving the car, could cause an accident and risky, Engine problem - so many coolant leak which has cost me over 6000 dollars to repair and yet Still leaking, when I swi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 18, 2020
In September 2023 I kept getting a warning on my 2019 Toyota RAV4 saying “engine maintenance required”. My car had roughly 50,000 miles. I was not due for an oil change and I serviced my vehicle regularly. I tried to take it to autozone to read the code but nothing came up and they said I just needed an oil change which I knew wasn’t true. I finally took it to a local Toyota dealership on Se... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2020
While addressing the Headlamp Flicker recall N242468880 another problem was caused. The Drivers side headlamp is always on high-beam There is no way to turn it off. I have had two incidents where oncoming traffic has crossed the double yellow line. The dealer states that the entire headlight mist be replaced and it is on backorder with no expected date of availability. This 2024 GMC Canyon is bli... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
I drove my car to work that morning and it was running completely fine. When I went to lunch that same day after 5 mins of driving the car my CVT transmission slipped out of nowhere and lost all power completely while I was on a busy road with lots of traffic almost causing multiple accidents because it happened out of no where and I was unable to get my car off of the road due to having no power.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
All warning lights appearing on the dashboard unexpectedly which then prevents the cruise control and other features from working. This issue comes and goes and makes it unsafe to drive. A new battery was installed but that did not solve the issue and no one has a solution. There are many websites stating this exact same problem. Different years and both CR-V and Pilots.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Oil pressured sensor went bad $2500 fix from dealer. In Korea this is a recall. The Genesis forums are full of complaints regarding same issue. The factory should cover this but the 10 year 100000 mile warranty does not cover it since it is considered an electrical part.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The brakes have been making a loud squeeling when I slow down. This has occurred since I bought the vehicle. The dealership has reviewed it multiple times and state they do not know what is causing it or how to fix it. The last time the tech stated there is nothing they can do. Now the brakes aren't performing as well as they did and it is concerning.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle the vehicle independently braked. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was no vehicle or object nearby in front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The contact had taken t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
ABS/TRACTION CONTROL lights on, the systems do not work and the NTSB knows this. Numerous recalls on different years and Dodge models yet you won't recall the 2017. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. [XXX] and issue a recall on ALL YEARS and MODELS, or are you in their pocket????? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
My F150 Truck dropped out of gear (5th ) to lower gear while driving. Which is very dangerous and caused almost a potential accident. Seem the power train in transmission and sensors had issue keeping truck in gear. Seems to be an issue on previous F150s and alot of 2017 models
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The fuel injection system has failed 3 times now causing the car to become slow/sluggish while driving (sudden slow down and lurching). This is a known issue with the car per [XXX] . Each time, the dealer has stated it's a known issue that's not covered by warranty or recall. Each time, the technician has stated that they are unsure why it hasn't been recalled given the prevalence of the issue ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V720000 (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. The contact had no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I have had dozens of incidents where I will be driving down the road and my car will just break for no apparent reason. It is totally random and at times terrifying. It happens with no other vehicles in front of my vehicle as well as while I am just driving in traffic with cars behind me. Many times, after it happens initially, I cannot accelerate the car due to the breaks locking up. I have to pu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
To Whom It May Concern, Service bulletin SB-21-39-001 [XXX] ) was issued for the front half shaft repair for model X, S. In my case, the repair work was done but did not address the issue. They only replaced the parts, and after two years the problem still occurs: vibrations at accelerations, etc. I had to pay over $2000 for the same work, which will probably not address the issue in the pe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The low beams on this vehicle have been consistently getting worse even with cleaning of the outside components and changing the bulbs. This makes it dangerous for night driving.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
My vehicle doesn't warn me about rear cross-traffic or it stops for emergency. I paid for this option. Delaer checked the system and reassured me that everything is working. I have to backup to a busy street a few times a day and this system is not protecting me and I am afraid that I will get into a crash. I had several close calls and I am afraid of a crash with this system.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation leaking from the top of the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192000 (Visibility). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,000.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the message "Reduced Acceleration" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH, and the vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to BMI Automotive transmission shop, where the valve body and the intermittent speed sensor w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
So our door handles have not been working to the point where my kids are stuck in the car and they can’t open the door and from the outside we are not able to open the door. We have safety warnings that pop up often then disappear and also we have our screens turn black and take a mom to turn back on. We have called VW corporate and they told us to keep taking it in then we take it for service a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
So our door handles have not been working to the point where my kids are stuck in the car and they can’t open the door and from the outside we are not able to open the door. We have safety warnings that pop up often then disappear and also we have our screens turn black and take a mom to turn back on. We have called VW corporate and they told us to keep taking it in then we take it for service a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
Hi. I have gone to my car dealership on 9/12/2024 and called Honda Corporation in October 2024 for an update when my car’s recall can be serviced and at both times they tell me that not enough parts are available to service my car’s recall. This is horrible customer service that a possible life and death recall can affect my situation because Honda is not taking responsibility in producing eno... Read more