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: Jun 3, 2024
There is a known issue of "Ghost Touching" on the infotainment system on 2017-2020 Mazda's. The ghost touching causes the infotainment center to randomly self-select options on the screen, which is highly distracting. The following are experiences I've had while driving (sometimes going 70MPH on the interstate), where my infotainment center begins to make selections on it's own: Unpausing paused m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
I was driving on the highway, and at roughly 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power; it seemed to regain function momentarily, and then the check engine light went on, and then the vehicle shut down. The vehicle was then rolling. Thankfully I was able to throw hazards on quick enough and the vehicles around me were alert enough not to collide into my vehicle and I was able to get the vehicle over... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle shuddered while coming to a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the sparks plugs and two ignition coil packs were replace... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
Fuel Tank has corrosion that allows vapors to enter the passenger compartment.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
The Corvette C7 Grand Sport wheels/rims are faulty. They bend and crack under normal driving and are dangerous.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lagging with a loud rumbling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal excessively to stop the vehicle from hesitating. The failure had become more persistent. The co... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact's father owns a 2014 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer was fluctuating. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while his father was driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshif... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
I have had ongoing electrical issues with my 2017 Kia Niro. First, the back passenger (driver side window) was working intermittently. The back windows from the day I bought the car brand new are rarely used, but when it was used for the 3rd or 4th time I had already gone over the miles where it would have been covered. The dealership was going to charge me almost $300, so I never fixed it. I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
Vehicle began exhibiting issues with BECM, reduced propulsion/limp home mode with range-extender activation. Car unexpectedly stopped running in the middle of the road, came to a complete stop and unable to move off road under car's propulsion.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque convertor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH and hauling a trailer, the vehicle drove across uneven pavement, and the vehicle went into the death wobble and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact pulled over to the side of the road but found no cause for the failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dea... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
Stalling and shuts off. Low power when accelerating. Car has been so slow to take off that when merging into on coming traffic I have to move to shoulder & then try again to prevent an accident. Coughs, putt & squeaking sounds.Car shakes while in park or not in motion. Check engine light on.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Driving on freeway on way home and all the dash lights lite up. Abs, collision waring, traction and the triangle with and exlimation mark. Car slowed down and dash flickered. Engine started making a light thud noise. 2nd time happening. First time was every similar but was on an empty road alone at 6am. When happened. First time took to dealership. Didn't happen again. Plan on taking again tomor... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine nee... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
While driving in the rain, the wipers would not work. The driver tried and tried to work the switch but the wipers would not work. Later, the wipers would work. At times the wipers work, at times they don't. We took the truck to the Peterbilt dealer and the problem could not be duplicated, they offered no solutions, no direction other than to bring it back when it happens again.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V461000 (Air Bags); 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. VIN tool ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Engine noise, dealer service indicated that its the rod bearings, since I have never ever had this problem on any other car I have owned in 50 years i did a little research and immediately found lots of information and a recall for this problem but my VIN is not included but its exactly the same problem identified in the recall
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
A safety recall was issued for my Lexus RX450h on 12/19/2023. I immediately contacted the dealership from whom I purchase the vehicle from. They informed me that "the part was on back order and would be there in September. On 09/12/2024, my partner took the vehicle in due to a nail in the tire and additionally to schedule for the vehicle to have the safety recall repaired, as they told us th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System); 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 ye... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System); 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 ye... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the passenger... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and then the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stopped the vehicle and had to wait for over one hour before being able to restart the vehicle. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
On this motorcycle while traveling at highway speeds oscillation or swaying occurs. Or described by a wobble. Mine definitely does this and it’s very unsafe.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The transmission lost every gear but 1st, 2nd. I was driving it down the highway when it lost the gear putting myself, other motor vehicles, and pedestrians safety at risk. The transmissions are known to by others and gm to lose gears or blow and no recall has been issued to rectify the issues. the vehicle was scanned by a trusted local auto motive shop. there were no warning lamps messages or ot... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V566000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V381000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reaso... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V466000 (Structure), 24V404000 (Electrical System), and 24V405000 (Electrical System). The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Brembo aluminum calipers were used with steel bolts causing the breaks to get himot & seize the steel bolt in the calipers. 1 out of 2 brake jobs end up costing thousands & hours of work to get the seized bolts out, I have had a caliper fall off going 65 & got caught in between my tire & rear wheel arc.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
We are unable to sell the car because it’s listed as unsalable because of the recall and we are unable to drive the vehicle. BMW should replace the vehicle at their cost.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
5 September went to start my car and the car started before i put it in drive it stalled and i could not restart the car kept turning over and will not run. plug in a diagnostics machine and found fault code P023F Fuel pump control module. this was the same fault I had two years ago june 2022. replaced the unit but part number has changed "13543075 has changed to a new number of 13554820" so GMC i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Cp4 high pressure fuel pump will self-destruct causing little pieces of metal to go throughout the fuel system and causing thousands in repair lots of manufacturers are doing recalls to this pump but nothing for Volkswagen I have contact the dealer no help if you go online thousands of people it's complaining about the CP4 high pressure fuel pump it has a design flaw from factory and needs to be c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Driver side window malfunctions intermittently. When raining, slow to go down or up, also skips as it goes up and down.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The engine cooling hose is failing and may be made of similar materials under the same recall as the Stelvio Qudrofiligo NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V635000. Mine has a leak which can cause a loss of coolant and cause a crash. The engine cooling hose may have inadequate webbing material allowing a coolant leak.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
When driving I lost steering and received dashboard alarm with service power steering. Turned the truck off, when I turned it back on the steering was working. A week later I lost steering again while driving.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
Steering clicking when turning while driving. Intermittent stiffness occurs while driving at various speed causing the driver to over correcting them increasing risk of accidents. Local auto shop recommends replacement of steering gear rack and pinion assembly.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
When I research by your making model, it shows that there are multiple safety recalls for my vehicle. However, when I put in my license plate urban number, it says that there is zero, because I believe that that is some sort of redacted information that’s not true because my vehicle continues to have concerning safety issues and engine issues and the manufacture is refusing to repair. Also, ther... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
2025 Honda CRV EX-L purchased [XXX]. Unable to drive car at night due to headlights. Extremely poor illumination. I am [XXX] with 20/20 vision. The headlights on low beam barely illuminate the road. I have spent $51,000 on a car that I am unable to drive after sunset. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
2025 Honda CRV EX-L purchased [XXX]. Unable to drive car at night due to headlights. Extremely poor illumination. I am [XXX] with 20/20 vision. The headlights on low beam barely illuminate the road. I have spent $51,000 on a car that I am unable to drive after sunset. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
While driving my car made a loud beep sound and Faulty Brake Booster appeared on the dash and the BRAKE light came on and the brakes would not work properly. I was almost rear ended because of this.
Incident date: May 10, 2024
AC wasn’t working properly, replaced parts not working. Fan stopped working and removed fuse box and it worked bad wiring harness affecting all electrical, fire hazard, dealership would rather keep it than me driving because of fire or meltdown situation. Says part to repair has been discontinued. Why? Engine hesitation, transmission when driving with jerk and almost causing vehicle to stop
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Unknown key keeps getting stuck in the ignition.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that whenever it was cold outside, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle after starting the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam phasers and the timing chain was skipping. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Low beam headlights have become very dim. By not adequately lighting the road ahead, a dangerous condition is being created for the driver. High beam headlights must be used to provide adequate lighting but must be switched to low beam to avoid blinding oncoming vehicle drivers. Acura is aware of the faulty manufacturing of the low beam headlight units but refuses to issue a recall on the RDX mode... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
This Ford Escape has a known engine problem that results in a spark plug seizing into the engine block. This known issue causes the motor to hesitate, run poorly, become sluggish and ultimately fail potentially in traffic. This concern becomes a danger to other drivers as well as the owner of the vehicle. The dealership immediately knew of the concern was aware of the problem when we called. It to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
I think my car has a faulty ignition. When I turn my car off with key in ignition, my car starts on it's own.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Anti lock brake system has intermittent Error code. Been living with this for two years. In the beginning, no-parts available from factory. Error can flash many time in and out during any driving period. Code C0020-01 'ABS Pump Motor Control-General Electric Failure. Dealer only repairs, however they cannot get parts. Was told this today. 9-12-2024 No recall from Ram/Chrysler/Fiat. $60k for a truc... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The dealer claims it was a faulty battery. Said it had a short in it. I have the battery and it can be inspected. I firmly believe it was software related. I was driving and the vehicle completely shut off while driving. I was unable to steer, restart, use the power assisted brakes, or navigate to a safe area. I was unable to restart the vehicle and it had to be towed. The problem was never repr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed coolant intrusion into cylinder #1, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle during car washes due to the failure. Additionally, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The warning lamp (engine light) illuminated blinking on and off. Engine code P1327 read on the diagnostic check, riding on the expressway was a little uncomfortable, engine was losing power which is unsafe at high speeds. I’ve contacted the nearest Hyundai dealer and scheduled an appointment for the car repair. I take care of the car and any repairs for maintenance and I never have any problems ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Do Not Drive - Stop Immediately" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the START/STOP feature was inoperable and was the cause of the failure. The dealer attempted to recharge the START/STOP battery; however, the ... Read more