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: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a fuel odor perforating through the interior of the vehicle. The driver later reported feeling ill which she attributed to the fuel odor in the vehicle and determined to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a fail... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Was driving and vehicle started to stall and slow in traffic with no warning lights at all. Discovered that oil was empty after we had checked it before a trip. No oil warning lights came on to tell us that was no oil. In turn this damaged our vehicles timing chain and it needs repaired. I spoke with dealership and wanted them to do an oil consumption test because there was a problem and shoul... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
While driving down a busy freeway, the CVT transmission failed. I was able to coast a little ways, but was unable to find a safe place to clear the road and traffic. I immediately called 911 for state trooper assistance to keep me from being rear-ended. I had no warning or Caution light on the dash until after the transmission failed. After the failure, I got the check transmission advisory on the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
On September 7th, 2024 around 7:35 PM, my tesla model S 2016 Suddenly accelerated, smashed in the siding of my house breaking the the siding of the wall and was totaled. All of this happened while my mom was trying to park the car in the garage the car suddenly took off without her pressing the accelerator. I have tesla to send an engeneer to collect the data of the car in which they said they di... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated the gear shift was in reverse however the vehicle went forward independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving on the highway at approximately 50 MPH, the RMPs revved however the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact merged to the side of the road and noticed transmission fluid was leaking. The vehicle was restarted however failed to increase in speed. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The 2014-2015 CTS-V Model has a safety recall for the exact same safety problem (differential) my 2014 CTS is experiencing. Why is the V series only included in the recall when other 2014-2015 CTS's have the same issues?
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
The Two bolts that hold the right side lower control arm connection to the frame one was completely out, and the other was loose.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I went into the Honda of Seattle dealership to repair the #QJT 2023-25 CR-V EPS Grbx Greasing Saf Rec (NHTSA#24V-744) and the #PJW 2023-25 Multi-Model High-Pressure Fuel Pump Stop Sale (NHTSA#PENDING) issues. The service desk informed me that no work could be performed until the parts are delivered to the dealership. I purchased the vehicle from this same dealership. My car sputtered and lost spe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a vehicle fire that occurred on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] in Alabama State University. The vehicle involved is a 2012 BMW 640i Coupe (black) with the license plate number [XXX]. The fire started while driving. Within a matter of minutes, the fire rapidly spread, and despite any initial efforts to contain it, the vehicle was completely e... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact's husband owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle made an abnormal bumping and squealing sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the squealing sound was caused by the brake pad material, and the bumping sound was caused by the brake calipers and rotor material. The dealer informed the contact the failure was... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
There is an existing recall for certain Audi Q7 front side marker lights (Audi recall campaign 97CB, NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) but this recall is too narrow. It does not include my vehicle but I have the same problem. Many other Q7 owners do as well. The Audi dealership will not honor repair or replacement, not even under warranty. The only way to fix this problem according to Audi is to purcha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000(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 not made aware of the issue. The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 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 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 e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, and while driving the vehicle, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact noticed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The contact also noticed that fuel had leaked onto the ground. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Passport. 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. No further information was provided. An unknown dealer was contacted. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
Stopped at traffic light, light turned green and went to accelerate. Car died, all lights came on dash in oncoming traffic and car would not restart for minutes.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Hi, This car has had a recall since 12/20/23. Toyota still has no fix for us. I have this car on the TURO rental platform, but they unlisted my car because of this recall. I want to file a complaint on Toyota for not offering me a fix and killing my business. Is they any way to put a hold on this until a fix comes out? TY [XXX] Dec 20,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number23TB15 NHTSA Recall Number23... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Transmission failure on interstate i90, truck down shifted violently and check engine light came on and warning on dash read speed reduced drive with caution. Took truck to gm dealer on August 1 2024 who said the transmission shift solenoid plate has to be replaced. Gm dealer still has my truck as of October 16 2024 and all I they can tell me is that the part is on back order and they have no idea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
I am being told that the Cam Phasers need to be replaced. This is a well known issue to Ford. They did a programming adjustment in 2021, and then did replacements only if you had continued issues up until Jan 2023. I have issues now, and they are telling me I am not covered. The cam phasers have been redesigned so they know they installed poorly designed parts originally. This is an almost $4,000 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
I am being told that the Cam Phasers need to be replaced. This is a well known issue to Ford. They did a programming adjustment in 2021, and then did replacements only if you had continued issues up until Jan 2023. I have issues now, and they are telling me I am not covered. The cam phasers have been redesigned so they know they installed poorly designed parts originally. This is an almost $4,000 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The steering wheel will tighten while on the highway causing me to over correct or the car will jerk sometimes while turning as well.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Toyota has a coolant control valve problem on the RAV4 that it has known is a problem but will not issue a technical service bulletin or recall. It is only covered by the extended warranty. Any other is 800 dollars out of pocket. The warning ⚠️ on the dash blocks the speed indicator and cannot be cleared until the fix is made.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The radio stopped working when looked into online it’s a known issue with the cords behind the radio coming loose on its own causing the radio backup camera climate control everything that that console is used for stops working the screen is black and does not come on after checking fuses the radio console is still out. with the cords coming loose on its own when i have no access to them honda s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed around a curb, the power steering had failed and the steering wheel had become difficult to steer. In addition, the contact had crashed under a bridge and the front passenger side tire had blown. The "power steering service now", "terrain management system fault", and "service advanced trac" warnin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The cars smart car controls stopped working. ACC, Collision Mitigation System, LKAS, Road Departure Mitigation, and Auto High Beam Problem warning lights are on.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The cars smart car controls stopped working. ACC, Collision Mitigation System, LKAS, Road Departure Mitigation, and Auto High Beam Problem warning lights are on.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Due to a small coffee spill srs light for front and back were triggered, with the potential of having air bags deployed, this is a defect that needs to be addressed. There was a class acton lawsuit that has since been concluded, but how about for new owners of old vehicles. This should be a safety concern.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
I'm driving along and the car door locks don't recognize that there already locked. They keep going off. The car is shut off and the door locks keep going off and the dom light keeps coming on every time the doors lock even though they are already locked. I couldn't get out of my car the other day because of this. I know now why someone sold it to the dealer ship. I've had the car a couple of mont... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
While driving vehicle looses throttle power, goes into limb mode. Does not throw any codes. Turn the car off then back on and drives fine for a little bit. Has happened numerous times. Multiple trips to the dealership but since no codes pop up nothing can be fixed. Major safety issue!!!!
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
The break pedal goes almost to the floor when trying to stop .It started about a year ago when I had new brake pads put on . It seemed to do ok for awhile and it started again and kept getting worse .
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The ABS module has failed. Lincoln doesn't have one and they don't know when the will. Apparently (from what I gather from Lincoln Corporate) there is a plethora of these units that have failed. Why is this not a safety recall?
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The ABS module has failed. Lincoln doesn't have one and they don't know when the will. Apparently (from what I gather from Lincoln Corporate) there is a plethora of these units that have failed. Why is this not a safety recall?
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
2015 SILVERADO clear coat peeling off wheels and not holding air I,m [XXX] if I need this truck in an emergency i,m stranded. Have contacted the dealer and gm both with no success the wheels were $2900. and they wanted me to pay $2300. for a truck that has 50,000 miles on it. it is clearly a safety issue driving down the road when they will not hold air. I filed a complaint in oct 2021 and oct 202... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
2015 SILVERADO clear coat peeling off wheels and not holding air I,m [XXX] if I need this truck in an emergency i,m stranded. Have contacted the dealer and gm both with no success the wheels were $2900. and they wanted me to pay $2300. for a truck that has 50,000 miles on it. it is clearly a safety issue driving down the road when they will not hold air. I filed a complaint in oct 2021 and oct 202... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The rear subframe has plastic "stone guards" to protect the frame from being damaged in off-road conditions. Where these stone guards are attached, the subframe has rotted/rusted large holes. Water and salt from winter seasons can get trapped behind these guards. A subframe on a vehicle at this age should NOT have complete holes rotted through. Let alone a vehicle brand such as Audi, known for qua... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I have been waiting on a part that been on back order for months- ABS module anti lock braking system in my 2015 Jeep Wrangler- I'm not the only 1 waiting for this part to come off back order been since Feb 2024 I've been waiting its Oct 2024 - They need to recall it if they cant take off back order very dangerous to drive
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I have been waiting on a part that been on back order for months- ABS module anti lock braking system in my 2015 Jeep Wrangler- I'm not the only 1 waiting for this part to come off back order been since Feb 2024 I've been waiting its Oct 2024 - They need to recall it if they cant take off back order very dangerous to drive
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
The accident happened at Noon on [XXX] at the Amazon Fresh/Post office parking lot’s far right exit lane facing [XXX] The address is [XXX] . We were leaving the parking lot and I stopped at the exit lane with 2 cars in front of us. After the first car exited, the second car, a black Ford Explorer, moved forward. I released the brake slightly but my foot was still on the brake pedal. At this mo... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The accident happened at Noon on [XXX] at the Amazon Fresh/Post office parking lot’s far right exit lane facing [XXX] The address is [XXX] . We were leaving the parking lot and I stopped at the exit lane with 2 cars in front of us. After the first car exited, the second car, a black Ford Explorer, moved forward. I released the brake slightly but my foot was still on the brake pedal. At this mo... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
On Friday 10/11 at 10:45 a.m I was in traffic on Day Street in Moreno Valley, California. This was the third time I experienced a sudden unintended acceleration with my Tesla. I would have hit the car in front of me, but I was able to swerve into an island on my left to avoid the car. The car went over the curve and stopped. I am unsure what happened but after my prior experiences, I knew how ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
On Friday 10/11 at 10:45 a.m I was in traffic on Day Street in Moreno Valley, California. This was the third time I experienced a sudden unintended acceleration with my Tesla. I would have hit the car in front of me, but I was able to swerve into an island on my left to avoid the car. The car went over the curve and stopped. I am unsure what happened but after my prior experiences, I knew how ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while in reverse (R), he observed a loud snapping noise. The contact stated that he exited the vehicle and observed the driver's front tire was turned oddly in the right direction. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed positive crank valve. The contact was informed that the positive cra... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the hood latch was no longer functioning and the hood was not able to be raised. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to repair the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The car had a (SUA) Sudden Unintended Acceleration malfunction. No, the car was totaled and towed away. My safety was put at risk as I was slowly pulling into a parking spot, eased my foot onto the brake and this malfunction caused my car to involuntarily jolt into a rampant high speed. It jumped a curb and crashed into a tree. My brake was useless in stopping this runaway vehicle. The only thing... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
I left work one day and I stopped at Walmart once I was done there, I got into my car to leave when I attempted to start my car all of the dash board lights illuminated although my car turned over it would not engage into gear. I did notice that all the dashboard lights illuminated simultaneously, which was quite alarming. This happened not once, but twice both times when I went to start the car h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the contact also noticed a loud rattling sound coming from the engine with multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed due to the engine burning oil and the contact was informed that the e... Read more