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: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an engine misfire. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the DTC code was cleared. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to another deale... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
Issue: When the vehicle is put into park and the ignition is turned off, the vehicle may not recognize that it is in park and a message will appear. This can make it difficult to turn off the ignition and remove the key. The “Shift to Park” message appears in the Driver Information Center of my 2022 Chevy Trailblazer. The cause of this is a malfunction in the park switch inside the shifter ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
While driving the car I press the gas pedal and it loses power or won't accelerate at all, then all of a sudden something happens and it lunges forward fast it is scary I have almost crashed 2 times. This issues is intermittent, thus the driver has no control of when the car is going to drive properly when I doesn't it is scary. I'm have been relegated to 45 miles an hour on the freeway I cannot ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
While driving the car I press the gas pedal and it loses power or won't accelerate at all, then all of a sudden something happens and it lunges forward fast it is scary I have almost crashed 2 times. This issues is intermittent, thus the driver has no control of when the car is going to drive properly when I doesn't it is scary. I'm have been relegated to 45 miles an hour on the freeway I cannot ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
My ESC randomly comes on. Service parking brake message comes on intermittently. Messages pop a up saying steering wheel assist limited, drive with care. Again, all of these are intermittent but when they happen my steering wheel locks up. Even mid turn. Being intermittent it doesn’t always happen and weather seems to affect when it happens, or that’s a coincidence.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
Hi, I have received 2 safety recall notices against my Honda 2023 CR-V on 3rd October & 14th October. One was for the Steering gearbox worm wheel & Other was for the improper production of the high pressure fuel pump. Since then I have visited & contacted Honda Carland Roswell numerous times but everytime I get the answer the parts are not available. It's been 2 months & they can't guarantee th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Since performing a manufacturer update to the Sync technology system, my touch screen has not functioned properly, including the back up camera. The screen goes black or freezes on the rear view camera even when in drive and moving forward. Each time this happens, the system has to be rebooted.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR STUCK LOCKED. NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. PASSENGER IS NOT ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR IN EMERGENCY SITUATION
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
I brought my 2021 Nissan Rogue in for service at Jenkins Nissan in Lakeland, FL for a oil change and tire rotation and we have had a light on our dash board indicating a airbag error and they charged us to look that up and said it is an airbag module or sensor that is causing the error message on the dashboard as the paper work said it is a Sensor-Side Airbag Center causing that and said it would ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
When I start driving, there’s a lot of hesitation like it’s going to stall and it also does this going up hills or mountains? I was on the interstate and there was a line of cars behind me and my car started to hesitate and almost stall, causing all cars behind me to break to not cause a domino effect accident I have reported this to the Kia dealer and knowing that there’s a lot of DCT probl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the seat belts in the second row of the vehicle on the passenger’s and driver’s side failed to latch securely and unlatched while driving. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to latch the seat belts. Additionally, the seat belts intermittently unlatched while driving at various speeds. Neither the dealer nor the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler Town And Country. The contact stated that while driving on a highway at 45 MPH, the driver's side door caught on fire from the vent window switch. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she proceeded to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact was able to reach her residence in time to exit the vehicle, and to call her husband who quickl... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler Town And Country. The contact stated that while driving on a highway at 45 MPH, the driver's side door caught on fire from the vent window switch. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she proceeded to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact was able to reach her residence in time to exit the vehicle, and to call her husband who quickl... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
When I have cruise control on but not in use at that moment the car will engage cruise on its own. It does this at a high rate of acceleration with no Rhyme or Reason as to why. I have to be quick to get it to stop because of the high rate of speed. I do not use the cruise control anymore on my vehicle because of being unsafe. I have been lucky a couple of times I have not rammed into the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Driver’s seat will not move forward. Driver cannot reach the pedals. This has been an ongoing/intermitten problem. While the car was under warranty, Infiniti of Ft Myers, FL attempted to fix the problem and eventually replaced the components. The problem was fixed until last spring. When I reported the problem to Nissan last spring, they told me there was nothing they could do. I explained it... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2022
Various electrical issues GPS not working also drivers seat electrical
Incident date: Nov 29, 2022
Various electrical issues GPS not working also drivers seat electrical
Incident date: Nov 29, 2022
Wires were improperly installed during assembly, on truck and rubs on a frame which chafes, which causes the protective covering to get rubbed off causing a short circuit on my wiring harness which causes the "check engine light" to stay on constantly. This is a factory mistake yet they want to charge me for the fix. I also have come to know this is getting too common on Chevy Silverado 1500 and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Headlight will stop working and turn off and then turn back on and start working again hours later.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The fact that Jeep has a recall that is not repairable for what appears to be months now is completely unacceptable. I bought this hybrid for a reason. To drive it around town without having to use gas. Now I can't charge my Jeep or park it in my garage? Then calling customer service is a joke. No buy back or gas reimbursement?
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
I have a 2018 Ram, with the 5.7 hemi. I purchased it new in November 2017. I currently have just over 53,000 miles and began to hear a ticking sound on startup that lessened upon driving but never completely gone and could smell exhaust fumes in the passenger compartment. I took this to an independent service center and they reported that two or the rear bolts have broken off that secure the exh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
There was a burnt rubber smell coming off the vents, took to dealership and they confirmed there was an issue with the front timing cover and was replaced. Less that a week later, there was smoke coming from the hood of the car. Took back to dealership unaware if it was recurring issue but it was determined there was a NEW oil leak due to faulty cylinder head needing replacement on my car which h... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
The rear passenger side door unlocked on its own . The display screen goes blank for approx 10-15 seconds while driving .
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The vehicle had a recall on the engine coolant valve line which was taken care of by BMW dealership on November 1, 2024. In less than a month later, an issue has been noted of coolant leak which caused the engine to overheat causing a safety issue on the road while driving my kids to school. The service manager advised that the issue is not part of the open recall that was already done on November... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The power steering stop working some lights came on when i was driving, i had Service Advancetrack and service powe steering on my screen then i wasn’t able to turn the wheels they became really hard.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that the failure had become consistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine oil pump valve and the camshaft adjuster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, an audible chime was heard, and unknown RED message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that occasionally while the vehicle was shifted into reverse, the back-up camera failed to display an image behind the vehicle as intended. The contact stated that the display screen turned blue. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Techni... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The vehicle started having issues initializing the auto-ignition system. It would give various notification, like system warming up when it wasn’t cold, or system disabled for some reason. Then it started shifting to park when stopped at light. Then it stalled multiple times when the AIS would initialize. Dealer said it was bad battery and swapped it. Driving away from dealer after service appro... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
On December 4, 2024, I left a Volkswagen ID.4 electric car in for service of Volkswagen due to software and door locking issues. The service manager confirmed the problems but stated that the vehicle has not yet received any repairs from Volkswagen and that there is no solution available. I have been given ongoing, negligent responses, such as being told that the only option is to buy another ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
I bought this vehicle and turns out the license plate reads as a Tahoe and now the electricial system u plugged speedometer don't work and everything is going out I need help I'm low on money but need help or resources email me [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
This car completely shut off while on the highway. Computer change out. Seals on the hatch leaking water. Should be recalled -this was problem before and sold me the vehicle. Glitches in the drive- pauses or jumps speed. Now issues with radiator. It’s crap.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
This car completely shut off while on the highway. Computer change out. Seals on the hatch leaking water. Should be recalled -this was problem before and sold me the vehicle. Glitches in the drive- pauses or jumps speed. Now issues with radiator. It’s crap.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
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: Nov 28, 2024
In the 2009 Toyota Series II vehicle there are two parts for the brake actuator pump assembly which has been cycling about every 20 seconds for the past six months or more. There is an intermittent tone when depressing the brake pedal before starting the car (engine off). The Brake dash warning light is on continuously. Occasional loss of brake power in reverse causing the driver to re-apply the b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
In the 2009 Toyota Series II vehicle there are two parts for the brake actuator pump assembly which has been cycling about every 20 seconds for the past six months or more. There is an intermittent tone when depressing the brake pedal before starting the car (engine off). The Brake dash warning light is on continuously. Occasional loss of brake power in reverse causing the driver to re-apply the b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH and hauling a small box trailer, the vehicle slid several times. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road temporarily and resumed driving; however, the failure recurred several times. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, an abnormal banging noise emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle then began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as fellow motorists assisted the contact by pushing the vehicle up an incline and into a parking lot. While in the parking lot, the contact restarted the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
While driving in the city or on the highway when accelerating, the car will lose power almost like it shifted to neutral - pressing the gas does not do anything then all of a sudden the expedition will rapidly catch gear causing the car to jerk all of the passengers. It is very unsafe and we have almost been rear ended due to this. It is extremely unsafe and scary. I notice it happening frequently... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
2013 Honda Accord EX-L V6 2 Separate Malfunctions Loss of all Power Steering Faulty VSA Module effecting Dashboard Indicators Broken VSA (Vehicle Stability Assistance) Module causes the ABS, FCW, LDW VSA, Steering, and Tire Gauge Warnings to light up solid. Causing the driver to be unaware if anything is wrong with the vehicle. Also leaving the car without working safety features promised by Ho... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
When exiting a highway, my Pilot started to shake and jump. When I pulled to safety, the vehicle was reluctant to shift into park and kept cycling back in to drive. After multiple attempts, it finally stayed in park. Dealership reported the transmission software needed to be updated. I was told this is not covered under my warranty or under a recall as this is not a common problem. After doing ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
For the last 70k mile the vehicle will intermittently die when coming to a stop. Sometimes it just idles rough other times just dies. Not what you want when your trying to pull into traffic very dangerous situation. In August of 2019 a cel was finally displayed and dealer replaced cam solenoid. Unfortunately the fixed was short lived and the stalling continued. I delt with the problem from then ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Audi A5 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: ProContact GX AO, Tire Size: 255/35/R19, DOT Number: CP32WMC9. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24T009000 (Tires). The contact called the dealer to schedule an appointment and the dealer stated that the replacement tires were not yet available. The contact had also called a tire dealer, and t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was 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: Dec 5, 2024
Vehicle cameras stopped working. Navigation stopped working. Screen also stopped working for a time. Was able to get it back on but it went off multiple times since. If I can't see the screen, I can't tell how fast I'm going to do anything else. Cameras control many of not all of the safety systems. So those are all inoperable. Issue is being reported across multiple forums all over the intern... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
Driving at highway speed of 65 mph, the vehicle abruptly lost power. The check engine light started flashing. I was almost rear ended due to the loss of power, I was able to coast to the emergency shoulder and stop. The car was towed to the nearest Kia dealership. Diagnostics show code P1326, the engine has failed and needs to be replaced at a cost of over $10000. This the same engine that was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
While driving, warning "Service Restraint System" popped up on the speedometer display, followed by "Auto stop" something, then "Reduced Engine Power", and symbols lit up including the Service Engine and traction control symbols. I pulled over, saw what I thought was steam emanating from the passenger side of the hood. I popped the hood intending to investigate and saw flames. 3 firemen and 2 mech... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
While driving, warning "Service Restraint System" popped up on the speedometer display, followed by "Auto stop" something, then "Reduced Engine Power", and symbols lit up including the Service Engine and traction control symbols. I pulled over, saw what I thought was steam emanating from the passenger side of the hood. I popped the hood intending to investigate and saw flames. 3 firemen and 2 mech... Read more
Fire