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 2, 2024
I was driving the truck and went to make a turn and suddenly the power steering went. It was very difficult to drive and was a definite hazard to myself and others. I took the truck to the dealer where they in turn said there was not a problem with the power steering. I have included the document given to me by the dealership. Upon my own investigation the power steering has defaulted many other d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
I was driving the truck and went to make a turn and suddenly the power steering went. It was very difficult to drive and was a definite hazard to myself and others. I took the truck to the dealer where they in turn said there was not a problem with the power steering. I have included the document given to me by the dealership. Upon my own investigation the power steering has defaulted many other d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
On 11/11/2024 while at an intersection with a redlight, I was the first car in the "merge to the right" short lane, stopped and waiting on right lane traffic on the road that intersected to clear. When it was safe to go, I moved my foot to the accelerator and nothing happened. I realized my vehicle had lost power / "died;" that all dashboard lights were out. I quickly put my vehicle gear in "Park"... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The failed/malfunctioning component(s) are the rear shocks/struts. Safety put at risk due to uncontrollable bumpiness and instability while driving on less than perfectly smooth local roads and highways. The problem has been confirmed by local Hyundai dealership service center. There are no associated electronic notifications or warning lights alerting driver of failure or malfunctioning of this v... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The ICCU failed, leaving the car with a Check Electrical System failure and ultimately cutting power to the vehicle, forcing driver to pull over and stop.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The gear shifter in my vehicle consistently fails to lock into “Park.” Whenever I place the car in “Park,” a message appears on the dashboard stating, “Shift to Park,” which prevents me from turning off the vehicle. It takes multiple attempts to get the shifter to lock into place and for the message to disappear. This issue is not only frustrating but also poses a potential safety haza... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The lights(traction control light, check engine,) in the dash come on and go off intermittently and vehicle display reads check emissions system and check VSA (vehicle stability assist) I got the vehicle scanned for the codes it throws and the print out was for the power train control module the piston rings all of them failed emission test! The dash lights come on for two to three weeks at a time... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Driving down the highway 65mph, cruise on, car makes an abrupt violent jerk forward, tires squeal, and car starts fishtailing across all lanes of traffic. Seems as if car spontaneously slammed on the brakes. Nothing crossed in front of the vehicle, nothing in the road, both hands were on the wheel, feet resting on the floorboard. Nothing displayed on the console. Once control was regained car drov... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
2016 Ford Escape rearview camera works only intermittently and sometimes not at all. On screen when the camera doesn't work it says Camera not available. Why is this vehicle not included in the Ford recall of faulty rearview cameras? The $165M penalty should be broadened to cover these failures in earlier model years. It is not just 2021 models.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
I was informed of recall on my 2018 Honda Civic. I have called my local dealership - Lees Summit Honda, since receiving the recall notification. I was told there was a national shortage on parts and my vehicle could not be fixed and to call back next month. I have been calling monthly since receiving the recall notification. I just received an "Important Safety Recall" notice in the mail from ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was provided a case number. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact called on behalf of his son who owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the temperature gauge had risen significantly to hot, and the vehicle started to shut down. The contact stated that his son was able to pull over onto the side of the road, to allow the engine to cool down. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
I've received the recall notice for my car about 2 years ago. I've tried to schedule time with the dealership to get it fixed but they just keep telling me they don't have the parts or I have to wait till something "bad" happens first for them to prioritize me. This seems really unsafe and bad practice. I've reached out to Honda and they have open a case to review this but has not gotten back to m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Backup camera goes from working to blue screen when backing up. I've reset the settings but continue to have the same issue. Very dangerous. It's the same issue/problem that you just fined Ford $165 million dollars. The models covered by the Ford recall included the 2020 Ford Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Mustang, Ranger and Transit, as well as the Lincoln Corsair and Nautilus. Why ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
My vehicle was emitting fumes into my vehicle and making a strange noise. When I took it to the dealership they tested the emissions/catalytic converter and fuel injectors. Which all showed no issues. When investigating further, they found that the weld on the catalytic converter had broke and was causing an unstable catalytic converter. Service manager reported to me that he felt this was definit... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
07-01-23 Vehicle died out, wouldn't start, got jumped, still wouldn't start. No indicator lights or warnings. Towed vehicle to the dealership, where it was for 11 1/2 months with the determination it was the ECM and Harness. Which it took that long to get. The vehicle was given back 06-14-24, even though it was in running condition, it was discovered parts were missing. Dealership put on order, re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 45- 50 MPH, the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that rod bearings and piston ring replacements were needed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was con... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
When I drive my motorcycle on the highway with 70 mph +/- 5 miles, the bike is unstable, the steering bar is shaking, and it is hard to keep the bike in the lane. I complained to the dealer, they balanced the wheel, tested the bike, but the problem has not been solved.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my vehicle, which resulted in a crash. While driving, I suddenly heard a loud sound, followed by an unexpected and uncontrollable shift of the steering wheel to the right. At the same time, the car unexpectedly accelerated, causing me to lose control and crash into a parked vehicle. The airbags deployed, and my car was totaled as a result of the c... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my vehicle, which resulted in a crash. While driving, I suddenly heard a loud sound, followed by an unexpected and uncontrollable shift of the steering wheel to the right. At the same time, the car unexpectedly accelerated, causing me to lose control and crash into a parked vehicle. The airbags deployed, and my car was totaled as a result of the c... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The car would go in ACC mode while parked and running and warning lights would appear on the dash (pictured below). While parked and running, the car also accelerates up & down. I can visibly see the acceleration meter moving before the car goes into ACC. Also, while in the drive the car would go in neutral mode. I’ve called several dealerships and I have been put on a “waiting list” and hav... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS ERROR CODES ONE TIME IT STATE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE OF DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION INTER ALIA VEHICLE IS LEAKING FROM MOTER BUT IS UNDETECTED DURING THIS RECALL WE HAD ANOTHER ERROR CODE GO OFF SHOWED TO TOM BUSH BMW ON ATLANTIC ALONG WITH LIQUID LEAKING FROM MOTOR/TRANSMISSION THIS WAS IN FIST 90 DAYS OF VEHICLE WE HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE LESS THA... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The left rear blinker light has gone out 4 times in the last 2 years. The most recent replacement for the passenger rear blinker stopped working within 12 hours of replacement. No other lights have needed replacing until the last replacment blinker light had gone out and i became aware that both passenger running tail lights were out, my license plate light on the passenger side is out the white b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
Front ball joints went bad. Had to replace control arms and ball joints at 60,000 miles
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
Upon starting the vehicle, the engine started to vibrate violently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Wendle Ford mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and needed an engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65576
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while started while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission lead frame failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
When I was driving the vehicle using cruise control, the vehicle suddenly reset the cruise to 110 mph and the vehicle surged forward. The brake disengaged the acceleration but when I reengaged the cruise control it surged toward 110 miles an hours again. The only fix for this was to turn the car off completely and then the cruise control acted normally once again. Then it happened a second time. A... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
When I was driving the vehicle using cruise control, the vehicle suddenly reset the cruise to 110 mph and the vehicle surged forward. The brake disengaged the acceleration but when I reengaged the cruise control it surged toward 110 miles an hours again. The only fix for this was to turn the car off completely and then the cruise control acted normally once again. Then it happened a second time. A... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall for transmission failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
I attempted to have this recall address with no remediation. I went to the Dealer 2 months ago and called Honda's recall line and was told that Honda is not equipped to repair the vehicle due to a parts shortage.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
Sun roof fabric issue became undone (sags) and blocks view out your rear view mirror.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
I received a recall notice about the fuel pump in February 2024. I have been calling Ed Morse Honda to schedule the replacement and they haven't had the parts. I just received a notice from Honda that states the following: "This notice is being sent to inform you that these parts are now available and you can bring your vehicle in for a free repair." I called Ed Morse Honda again today, Nov. 14... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
Engine light became illuminated, car spewing white smoke on cold start-up. My 2017 Ford Esacape Titanium has under 97,000 miles. Took to dealership. Codes P0302 & P0316 Misfire on start & Cylinder 2 Misfire. Found Cylinder 2 has Coolant Intrusion. TSB 22-2229 needs a Long Block Motor Replacement. TSB was written in 2019 & Ford did nothing about Notification to anyone. Cost of repair is $ 7130.66, ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
Several times now while driving on the interstate at the average speed of 70 to 75 which is the speed limit in my Area the battery level while fully charged it's supposed to only drop down to 20% I have noticed several times now while on the interstate I've been barely able to drive 40 mph as it is dropping the power level down to almost zero there is no bars being illuminated they're supposed to ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
My steering wheel only turns violently to the right (I have a video that will not upload). My husband almost broke his thumb when it happened. Thankfully no one was injured. However, we were about to leave on a 1200-mile trip when this happened. This problem will not go away. Ram has refused to even look at the truck even though there is a recall on this in 1500 Ram trucks including diesels ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while reversing with the rearview camera engaged, the screen became blurry or blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V575000 (Visibility, Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
My car will randomly shut off while I’m driving. My seatbelt comes undone My door has opened while I was driving down the highway.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
on going issues with 1.5 t direct injection issue with major blown head gaskets. my head gasket now has blown and causes a serious safety issue with limp mode no power. All warning light where on and i was in a turn lane on a major highway and when i took off car limp mode and almost taken out by a semi truck lucky he changed lanes to avoid hitting me. Look at internet, facebook etc absolutely a t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The contact's son owns a 1989 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the vehicle caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The contact's son was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number 24E076 (Throttle Body). part number R90062AAH-B. The vehicle was tow... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
On Sept 29, my vehicle’s engine light came on while driving on a hwy. I have kept the vehicle serviced, and have all maintenance records. Due to minimal shoulder space, I continued to the nearest turnoff, and before approaching the turnoff the engine shut off entirely, creating a dangerous situation (no power, no power steering or power brakes), and I was forced to cross the highway by coasting.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
I am the original owner of our 2021 Kia Telluride and we follow the manufacturers recommendations and ensure our oil is changed every ~10K miles. Our Kia was recently serviced at Nationwide Kia in Timonium Maryland in April 2024 and had the oil changed. As I was driving today, [XXX] the Oil Pressure Warning Light came on. When I pulled over, I checked the dipstick and it was below the low level. I... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Transmission lock up traveling 45 miles an hour while acceleration up modest uphill grade pulling a 3000 pound trailer. The lockup was severe enough to cause passengers to lunge forward with seatbelt engagement. There was no loss of control of the vehicle; however, we did stop the vehicle to inspect it with no damage observed. We expected to see some. This event would have caused a likely loss of ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The reverse sensors are faulty, causing the GLC300 model to randomly auto-brake while going in reverse. My driveway is flat and long with no significant grade changes and this has occurred at another location as well with similar topography. There are no obstructions present nor any significant grade changes, the vehicle auto-brakes not everytime, happens out of the blue once every 8-12 tries. My... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The factory stereo is defective and produces a terrible static noise that is uncontrollable and regularly reaches over 100 decibels. All 2016-2017 Honda accords will have this issue.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The fuel pump power control module (p129F, I believe) failed. I was in the carpool line when the engine sputtered then turned off, and would not turn back on. The engine light also came on. I had to walk my children the rest of the way, then got a tow truck. There were no dash light or other indications of a problem ahead of time. My local GM dealership was not able to get to me for multiple days... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
Issue-1 High pressure fuel pump in the engine bay (no the fuel pump that was recalled for some VINs) failed at 88000 miles. There was a loud motorcycle exhaust kind of sound coming from the engine bay , which is more audible from inside the cabin than from the engine bay itself. Took it to service center for a 1500$ replacement. Wrote to Honda customer care , but they rejected by claim and good... Read more