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: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 manufacturer was ma... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELDS GET EXCESSIVE CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE OF WINDOWS OBSTRUCTIING VISIBILITY. CAR TAKEN TO DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE SAME SITUATION. THIS PUTS OTHERS AT RISK BECAUSE THE DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK WELL WHEN THERE IS HEAVY CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDOWS. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE PURCHASE IN 2024.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the ongoing issues related to safety recall 23TA15 for my 2021 Toyota Corolla LE. The recall, issued in December 2023, involves a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, which may have been improperly manufactured. Unfortunately, Toyota has failed to address this recall in a timely manner, significa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Vehicle will not start every single winter! Has been in the toyota repair shop multiple times. Told me it was possibly the kick sensors that are activated in the cold, stay on and then run battery dead. It is currently 20 degrees outside, but was parked in the garage all night, and STILL won't start in the morning! Completely unreliable. Nearest dealership is 1 hour away from me. Kick sensors were... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Horn doesn’t work majority of the time and the stereo works some day and I have already took this problem with the radio .
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Horn doesn’t work majority of the time and the stereo works some day and I have already took this problem with the radio .
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
2023 model X is NOT equiped with a center steering wheel horn, instead a small button on the right of steering wheel which is nowhere to be found when you need in an emergency, i almost got in to 3 accidents for lack of horn. Tesla must replace these for traditional horn button
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
AP4 computer failure has led to navigation, cameras, blind spot monitoring, lane departure and other systems being inoperable. Tesla has stated they don’t have the parts to fix and have pushed out my service repair time twice already. Issue reported on December 4th, since then no time table for repair has been given. Tesla keeps stating the car is operable, leaving out the facts it’s dangerous... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I purchased a car from Best Buy Motors in Spanaway, WA on [XXX]. Three days later I took the car in for an oil change and my mechanic cited safety issues and identified the rear brakes were faulty and deemed them a safety hazard. I repaired the brakes because I did not want to continue driving them under those conditions. My mechanic stated that the dealership was wrong for selling the car with... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
With the new teslas (not sure about all but I know on the model y ). There is no way to reduce or turn off regenerative braking. Which on snow covered roads makes the car want to go into a skid. Only way to get around it is to force the car in to nutral ( also not great but better than the other option). Then use brakes so it slowed all wheels evenly.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
High Beam Assist, Check Rear Cross-Traffic Safety System, Check Blind-spot safety system, Check forward safety system, Check Lane Keep Assist System, Traction Control disabled. ALL of those messages came on while driving. Rear backup camera quit working, reverse lights do not engage. No remedy for recall still. Vehicle is unsafe to operate without recall being fixed. This is my only transportation... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
High Beam Assist, Check Rear Cross-Traffic Safety System, Check Blind-spot safety system, Check forward safety system, Check Lane Keep Assist System, Traction Control disabled. ALL of those messages came on while driving. Rear backup camera quit working, reverse lights do not engage. No remedy for recall still. Vehicle is unsafe to operate without recall being fixed. This is my only transportation... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The instrument panel cluster of my 2020 Jeep Gladiator is blank, no display. Therefore, my odometer, fuel gage and several other notifications are not visible and makes it hazardous to drive my car. My eyes keep looking to a blank blacked out panel. The recall #30B for the instrument cluster panel does not include my vin #. My Jeep service center said that it is the piece I need and it will cost $... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
I have a 2024 Volkswagon Atlas and right now my screen is completely not working. Everything is functional through the screen for controls as well. I can't even control the thermostat. This has become a safety issue as my windows are icy in the morning and I cant turn the defroster on. The service department at the dealership won't look at the car because they said it is a known issue and Volkswag... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Looks like there's a design or defective part on the driver side (Left) window. It is unable to open. This is the second time that the window unable to open, the first time happened in around late 2019 early 2020. It was the window power switch issue and I had it replaced. Recently the window stopped working again. This can be a potential safety issue if the car is drove into a river or in a high ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. 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 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 experie... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The contact owned a 2009 Subaru B9 Tribeca. The contact stated while driving on ice, at a low speed, the contact's vehicle slid and rolled before slamming into a culvert. The contact stated that the driver's door air bag was deployed, however, no other air bags deployed. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown air bag recall repair was performed on the vehicle in 2023. The vehicle was t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 19, 2020
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2020
The contact's son-in-law owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the driver was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a catastrophic transmission failure. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2020
PCV valve failure. There was oil leak outside. When taken off, there was oily gunk inside. When shaked, it was obviously completely stuck. I took out and cleaned it thoroughly.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the transmission inadvertently downshifted and the accelerator pedal was inadvertently depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact sta... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
It is about 50 degrees clear, with no rain. I drive onto the highway and hear what sounds like a gunshot. The Rear window explodes, and then glass flies all over the car; I roll down my window, and then glass goes everywhere, and all my stuff in the car flies around. I pull over and assess; this is the same thing that happened to me last year. The window randomly exploded. I called my insurance co... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); 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 experi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brake Light Switch How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Per multiple reports this could cause the car not to start or to indicate to cars that the vehicle is slowing down and preparing to stop Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance rep... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and accelerating, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failur... Read more
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: 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: 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: Dec 14, 2024
1. Corrosion which is a Jeep/Mopar known issue - paint bubbles on the aluminum doors/hinges. No recall/fix. 2. Death Wobble: Also known as loosing control to steer the car. This is a huge issue with all stock and this has not been addressed yet. There are a lot of videos and cases out there to proof this case. 3. Coolant Reservoir leak: Recently there are 276 coolant reservoirs needed from Mopar f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
All 4 tires had the belts Seperate within a year. Less than 15k miles on each. The car started riding rough and pulling hard. Size: 235 /65 R16 103T SL BSW
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
All 4 tires had the belts Seperate within a year. Less than 15k miles on each. The car started riding rough and pulling hard. Size: 235 /65 R16 103T SL BSW
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: Nov 4, 2024
The check engine light is on with and error code of P0E15 From what I am reading on the web a LOT of people are having/have had this problem. The error code came up during windshield repair and recalibration. The technician advised this has been an ongoing problem and this error keeps coming up even after being cleared.
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
The contact owned a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized, with the steering column warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and became aware that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for ass... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The headlamp assemblies literally failed from the inside. The headlamp light output decreased dramatically as time went on. I read online that many Acura owners were having the same issue and that replacing the bulbs did nothing to remedy the issue as the reflective coating inside the headlamp was failing; only fix is to replace complete assemblies, which I did. I do not have the removed assemblie... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had separated from the vehicle. The contact purchased the parts from the dealer and replaced the trims himself. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The loca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
Horn just stopped working! Fuses are intact. I see this is a consistent complaint for this model. Cannot pass safety inspection and I’ve only had the car for a year
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
Backup camera strobing and upside down image. Unable to see pedestrians or other vehicles. Local mechanic suggested replacing camera as possible solution but was unsure if that would help. No warning or other symptoms. First appeared approximately one month ago.
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: Nov 29, 2024
I have engine light on and when I scanned it, I got a error code P052E For crankcase vent valve issues. It is most common problem with Mercedes-Benz Glc .
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
I am reaching out to raise a serious safety concern regarding the Audi Pre Sense feature in 2023 Audi models. This feature has caused sudden, unexpected braking on both freeways and internal roads, creating a significant hazard for drivers and passengers. There appears to be no permanent way to disable this feature, and its malfunction poses a critical risk of causing accidents rather than preven... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on two occasions, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on two occasions, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was partially inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, 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 de... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Vehicle regularly loses all throttle response for 5-10 seconds, usually around corners at low speed, but sometimes while driving straight. This lack of response is alarming when pulling into traffic. There is no light on the dash indicating traction control is activated.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
After about 10,000 miles, we started getting a loud squeal noise in the front brake area when taking off from a stop. We have taken the vehicle to the dealership and also spoke to the service department several times. We keep getting told that it is a common noise with the Taos and there is nothing wrong or no fix. There is no way a brand-new vehicle should be making this noise.