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: Sep 28, 2024
Back up Camera. When reversing cannot see out back window do to incline of glass making hard to reverse. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There was not any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
Air Conditioning system in 2017 Acura MDX is releasing chemical fumes when Air Conditioning is turned on. This problem was reported to authorized Acura Service Center (Chapman Acura in Tucson, Arizona) during vehicle warranty period. This problem has been reported to this Acura Service Center more than 5 times but the Acura Service Center is not fixing the problem. Release of chemical fumes from A... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
I am writing to report an issue with my 2016 Honda Accord. The radio frequently produces a static noise, which poses a distraction and potential safety risk while driving. Component/System Failed: The radio system. Availability for Inspection: Yes, the radio is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The static noise distracts me while driving, potentially endangering my safety and th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Received Hyundai recall 251 the end of 2023. Car taken to Hyundai dealer in March 2024 and dealer could not make the repairs on the recall. The end of July, the car caught fire (engine fire) when the car was parked for 10 minutes. Car and adjacent structure was destroyed.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
Driving down the freeway approximately 70mph, dashboard lit up and car completed turned off without warning for approximately 30 seconds before power came back on it's own. I was able to drive an additional 15 minutes to work. After parking, I tried to lock the car with the key fob and nothing happened. Upon further review, I determined that the car was completely dead, no power, no clicking when ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The failed component was observed when the Restraint warning icon appeared. There was no accident because the vehicle was taken to the BMW dealership for investigation. There is a warning not to drive because the Restraint system may not work properly. This is a safety issue with no work around to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. After reviewing multiple threads online, it appears that my sit... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
This morning before my drive to work, a service vehicle soon message popped up on the screen. During my drive to work the vehicle began to respond sluggishly and lose power and acceleration on the highway. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk and the vehicle was unable to maintain highway speeds. I was able to make it to work driving at reduced speeds, and after parking the vehicle r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
This morning before my drive to work, a service vehicle soon message popped up on the screen. During my drive to work the vehicle began to respond sluggishly and lose power and acceleration on the highway. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk and the vehicle was unable to maintain highway speeds. I was able to make it to work driving at reduced speeds, and after parking the vehicle r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that on four occasions while diving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 10 minutes after each failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,400.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Three weeks ago, I exited my running truck and saw that the left front driving light wasn't working. Turned the turn signal on and it would not function either. At first the rear light was blinking normally. Then after about a minute it began to flash rapidly and the display showed, check left front turn signal. Shut it off and unit worked after restart. Two weeks later, did the same thing. This t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
On this car it has a manufacturer design deflect on the engine block that allows coolant into the #3 cylinder. This is referred to as coolant intrusion. Ford has a service bulletin 20-2100 (attached) on this but are claiming we are not covered by it based on the build date of our car. Our car is clearly in the criteria of the service bulletin. Taking to the Ford Dealer they have an enormous n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
When driving at low speed (<25mph) over uneven terrain, such as bumps in road or small potholes, and applying brakes, the Anti-lock braking system will engage and causing vibrations in the brake and steering column and the car will not slow down. This is documented by a multitude of drivers: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I purchased my vehicle early August 2024 at Knudson Foothills Mazda in Spokane, Washington. Within the first five hundred miles of use, I noticed that my steering wheel would not maintain center alignment. I took it into the shop explaining my issue and they were fast to acknowledge the alignment was off and that they realigned the vehicle. The steering was off center alignment within 20-40 miles ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I purchased my vehicle early August 2024 at Knudson Foothills Mazda in Spokane, Washington. Within the first five hundred miles of use, I noticed that my steering wheel would not maintain center alignment. I took it into the shop explaining my issue and they were fast to acknowledge the alignment was off and that they realigned the vehicle. The steering was off center alignment within 20-40 miles ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while children were attempting to exit the vehicle from the rear driver’s side sliding door, the door failed to open as needed. The contact attempted to manually open the door from outside the vehicle and was unable to open the door. The contact stated that while driving to the dealer to service the door, the door ajar message wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while children were attempting to exit the vehicle from the rear driver’s side sliding door, the door failed to open as needed. The contact attempted to manually open the door from outside the vehicle and was unable to open the door. The contact stated that while driving to the dealer to service the door, the door ajar message wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
The contact’s son owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the timing chain had ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
Brought car in for a noise 12k miles ago and dealer said all was well. I then brought the car back and they heard the sound, wanted to explore and take apart the engine and found I have a collapsed lifter on the exhaust cam which if a defect, should be completely covered by the manufacturer not just a portion of the repair. Also, this could cause further issues and damage with the car which is con... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
Brought car in for a noise 12k miles ago and dealer said all was well. I then brought the car back and they heard the sound, wanted to explore and take apart the engine and found I have a collapsed lifter on the exhaust cam which if a defect, should be completely covered by the manufacturer not just a portion of the repair. Also, this could cause further issues and damage with the car which is con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Vehicle developed right wheel wobble on left turns over 90 degrees, when speed is ~40 mph or above. Unable to safely make turn, at speed. 3 trips to dealership, issue persists. Vehicle threw a “VSS fault” and went into “limp mode” preventing me from driving over 40mph - was in the mountains, 60 miles from home. Serious safety issue, feel unsafe on the vehicle, no longer willing to ride.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Vehicle developed right wheel wobble on left turns over 90 degrees, when speed is ~40 mph or above. Unable to safely make turn, at speed. 3 trips to dealership, issue persists. Vehicle threw a “VSS fault” and went into “limp mode” preventing me from driving over 40mph - was in the mountains, 60 miles from home. Serious safety issue, feel unsafe on the vehicle, no longer willing to ride.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
My Hyundai is currently experiencing an issue with the engine. At just about 100k miles, the car is having an issue with oil consumption, there are no evident leaks and I am going through 1.5 quarts of oil in a weeks time (less than 300 miles driven).
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
Headlight /DRL out - no alerts or messages
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Engine / Transmission constantly kicking when accelerating. Brought it to Ford Dealership multiple times for this issue. Told there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
There are 2 issues I am reporting. 1.) The passenger front seat belt tensioner does not allow you to buckle the seat belt. 2.) The vehicle will go into limp mode and shift into 3 gear. I disconnect the battery and wait about 15 seconds and the problem is magically resolved.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
1.) We were driving to Nashville and once my car got around 70,000 mile my check engine light came on. Then my car started to make a humming noise. We pulled over to check the oil the oil was fine. Once we got back into the car and left the gas station the light started to blink. Yes 2.) We were on the highway, and if the engine could have blown up or we could've got stuck on the way there and ba... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
1.) We were driving to Nashville and once my car got around 70,000 mile my check engine light came on. Then my car started to make a humming noise. We pulled over to check the oil the oil was fine. Once we got back into the car and left the gas station the light started to blink. Yes 2.) We were on the highway, and if the engine could have blown up or we could've got stuck on the way there and ba... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
MY 2022 Ford Escape THE ENGINE SHAKES REALLY BAD THERE ARE NEW BRAKES PADS ON MY CAR AND MY RIMS ARE FILL WITH DUST FROM THE BRAKES
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
On the 2024 HRV LX the unlock button on fob unlocks all doors at the same time when you press the unlock button once. It should only unlock the driver’s door when you press it once and should unlock all doors when you press it twice. The car manual itself states this should be the default setting however it is not. This is basic safety feature that has been used on most vehicles for last 10 plus... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
Engine burning oil and leaks. Only 62,000 miles. Car accelerated when brake was being applied
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal clicking sound emanating from the front of the vehicle, after which she became aware that there was excessive left and right play in the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Had Death Wobble incident approximately 45 mph locked up breaks, came to slow roll, drove out of condition. ford replaced steering stabilizer very scary with family in vehicle luckily no trailer attached. ford needs to fix before death occurs. the caster bushing to fix can't cost anymore than the stabilizer replaced and definitely less costly than a life. This doesn't give impression of not cari... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Center console with touch screen delaminating screen cover causing random and continuous malfunctions to navigation, heating/cooling climate controls, media (radio, hands-free telephone, and numerous uconnect software applications), and rear backup camera function. Potential for serious distraction and loss of multiple safety components like change lane warning systems, anti swerve technology, etc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Center console with touch screen delaminating screen cover causing random and continuous malfunctions to navigation, heating/cooling climate controls, media (radio, hands-free telephone, and numerous uconnect software applications), and rear backup camera function. Potential for serious distraction and loss of multiple safety components like change lane warning systems, anti swerve technology, etc... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 6,500. The VIN was not available.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the braking system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. The contact stated that the failure was due to a failure with the computer reading the speed limit as 45 MPH instead of 65 MPH. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. 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 local dealer and Ed Morse Honda (3790 W Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL 33404) were made aw... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The recall for Fuel Pump still has no parts available? it has been 9 months long. I have called dealership every week and they keep saying no parts. I'm worried about my car. I can feel the car choking sometine while driving.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
“Brake system problem” was shown on the dashboard along with tire pressure problems and other messages. After the message, I couldn’t accelerate nor brake my vehicle. It happens randomly for 3 times and they fixed it for 2 times. The second fix last 5 months before I have this issue again in October 2024.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The radio system constantly blanks out and will not come back on for hours even after trying to turn it off and back on. There are major issues that point to the recalls that are known for the 2022 VE Taos however, there are no recalls for my specific vehicle. The vehicle check engine light is constantly on and there is constantly an issue with the fuel system. The Taos has issues with accelerati... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Hi there, it seems like a lot of model 3 Tesla owners year 2020 have been hit with a thousand plus dollars repair for the super bottle that controls the HVAC. Some at 37,000 miles. It looks like Tesla knows this is a faulty part they will cause issues. Thus they limit the warranty to 4 years only or 50,000 miles whichever comes first. Most cases was the four year warranty that runs out and the ver... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
While driving the power steering stopped working causing the vehicle to become very difficult to steer. Fortunately this happened while traveling in a straight line and I was able to maintain control of the vehicle, but if it had happened in a curve, or leading into a corner, it would have been difficult to maintain lane control. After letting the vehicle sit for 8 hours, I was able to start the v... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
Steering wheel clock spring is not working. Controls wipers, turn signals, speed control, voice commands, lane aware and allows to toggle thru control settings do not work. Ford doesn’t have part available or an ETA. This part covers vehicles from 2013 thru 2024 so currently vehicles coming down assembly line are using. My car is unusable like this. Aftermarket part is also unavailable. Please... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
My issue began 1 month after buying the vehicle. Regardless if I'm on the highway or back road no transition from one lane to another needs to be initiated , my whole dash will light up red and the car will come to a complete stop , at this time I just hold on and brace myself .Im a RN w/2 kids I went back to the dealer they said they checked it out but on my own I found out the car was in 2 acci... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown message regarding the brakes, stability control, and steering displayed. There was a red symbol displayed. Additionally, while driving at an unknown speed or a stop light, the brakes locked up. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on multiple occasions, where it was diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact stated owns a 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that the electrical switch had previously been replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system was updated under warranty. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the instrument panel and the infotainment system screen turned black. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact stated owns a 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that the electrical switch had previously been replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system was updated under warranty. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the instrument panel and the infotainment system screen turned black. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
A recall was issued in 2023 for a problem with the fuel pump which can cause a serious accident in the event of a failure. I've received two notices for the recall, however the dealer where I purchased the vehicle has not yet been able to obtain the parts from the manufacturer. I'm very concerned because of the potential consequences of failure of the fuel pump and would like to have the recall re... Read more