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: Sep 21, 2024
My front driver's seat suddenly fell backwards all the way if I move position myself it will fall backwards like it's in a reclining position. While it is in the backwards position I can see that there are holes on both sides of the sea where it attaches and it is missing bolts or it broke I am not sure what happened but it will not line up and I cannot get them where I can put a bolt in so my sea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
All of a sudden every ADAS system went down. When starting the vehicle I get numerous errors displayed - all having to do with the ADAS. The forward facing camera is the cause of this and it is a known systemic issue within Honda. All safety features are now disabled and the vehicle has the original camera and windshield.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
I have a single-owner 2011 automatic-transmission Subaru Forester [145k miles]. In a parking lot, I started the car as usual and shifted into reverse. I immediately noticed another car was approaching behind me and reflexively pushed on the brake to give the oncoming vehicle the right of way. As I pushed on the brake, the car suddenly and without warning surged backwards as the engine revved and "... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Called multiple dealerships and found out there is a known problem with the valve body for the transmission in these vehicles, which mine is currently being towed today to the dealer. This is what happened to me today, I was driving with my two children on the interstate and all of a sudden I had no drive nothing so the speed reduced quickly. Well behind me there was a 18 wheeler on my back and al... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
We purchased this vehicle in mid 2018. In October of 2018 Lexus issued a customer support process ZLZ which covered our vehicle for problems with the dashboard. At that time, we had no deterioration of our dashboard so we did not respond. The Lexus program expired in 2021. In the last two years, our dashboard has deteriorated quite substantially becoming sticky and more importantly, becoming very... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
We purchased this vehicle in mid 2018. In October of 2018 Lexus issued a customer support process ZLZ which covered our vehicle for problems with the dashboard. At that time, we had no deterioration of our dashboard so we did not respond. The Lexus program expired in 2021. In the last two years, our dashboard has deteriorated quite substantially becoming sticky and more importantly, becoming very... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
I was taking my client to school. I stopped at the stop sign. When I pushed gas pedal to go, my truck did not go, it strained did a big jerk then went. The next morning it did the same thing & later on that day, it did it again. Two days later I had to stop at red light. When the light turned green I pressed the gas pedal & nothing. It did not go at all. I turned the ignition off and back on twice... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Fan is not working and car is overheating when driving in traffic or low speeds - from forums this seems to be a common issue with this make/model and year
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Ball joint & control arm suspension failure twice in 3 years
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
This vehicle about 6-8 weeks ago started throwing codes for all systems above (over 100 codes). This issue affected all systems of the vehicle including but not limited to the speed and braking of the vehicle, plus the fuel system and adaptive driving systems. We took it to the dealer Performance Peterbilt in Tifton, GA. They cleared the codes and said they resolved it by replacing a NOX sensor. W... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights on the instrument panel flashed on and off. The contact stated that the horn was inadvertently honked while the vehicle was losing motive power. The vehicle was restarted; however, the fa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Our local dealer, Hall Honda in Virginia Beach VA has not been able to repair this recall in a timely manner. It has been over 6 mo. This is the only place I could find to report a complaint. Your website does not make it clear where to go to submit a concern or complaint.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Front frame bracket on gas tank has rotted out. There is a recall on this already for other 2012 ram 1500 vehicles. Nhtsa 18v-160 frame bracket
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Front frame bracket on gas tank has rotted out. There is a recall on this already for other 2012 ram 1500 vehicles. Nhtsa 18v-160 frame bracket
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam head light illumination was extremely dim, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the failure was yet not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Windshield wipers are not strong enough to deal with even small amounts of snow. The gap between the windshield and the hood is unusually large which allows snow to accumulate and get packed into the gap. The wiper motor stops functioning even with a small amount of snow accumulation in that gap. Even when completely cleared before driving, when snow gets pushed down from the wipers or slides off ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
Shifted the operating car from park to drive when the car suddenly and unexpectedly took off even though I was not touching the accelerator. The car accelerated across the street and slammed into a parked car. The airbags did not deploy which would indicate a low-speed but the pre-collision system did not stop the car which would indicate higher- speed. My car was written off as a complete loss... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Chrysler issued recall 72B back in July but has failed to provide a repair solution to the issue of a high voltage battery fire. They have advised to park the vehicle away from structures and to not charge. It's disappointing not to have a resolution or fix for this issue, especially going into the colder months and not being able to use the vehicle as intended.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); 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 ex... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
While I was driving to work, the power steering completely failed, I could barely make it to work now I cannot drive the vehicle at all. It will not steer..
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
My vehicle has always been well-maintained with the dealer with regularly scheduled oil changes. On the captioned date, my vehicle failed the state emissions test. Immediately after leaving the testing facility, the check engine light came on and the engine began to rumble. The vehicle barely made it to the Kia dealership. Kia told me the entire engine needs to be rebuilt for $6,500 and that may n... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, and approaching a red light, the brakes failed to operate upon the depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was firm while the contact steered the vehicle off the shoulder of the road. Due to the failure, the contact drove through the intersection and allowed the vehicle to coast to a complete stop. Upon restart of t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a clanking and knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered severe subframe rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while backing out of the driveway, the front driver’s side co... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Gas tank strap bracket. Gas tank strap bracket rusted off the frame and tank was hanging off. Went to closest shop where he identified the problem and fixed it ($1431.00). This is a know problem and a letter stating that the warranty period for the “tank strap mounting” was extended. We sent the bill to FCA US LLC customer Center and they refused to cover the cost.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); 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 made a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Some of the interior door light switches don't light @ night. I can probably take the door panel off & fix it... (buy bulbs)...? Door hinge on the gas cap breaks way to easily. Could fly off & hit someone\thing... Clunking sound coming from the rear end & I can't find where it's coming from... Gas cap gets loose & throws a p0333 code knock sensor bank 1 or 2 or both. Who put them under the manifo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
While driving at low speed and slightly uneven surface...approaching stop signs or intersections. The ABS system kicks in, shakes aggressively and can no longer control vehicle to come to a stop. This is a sporadic incident and has happened 3 times so far.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Took the vehicle to 3 different mechanics for estimate as my daughter was driving the car and it started to over heat, white smoke coming from tailpipe , coolant level very low or gone. It was determined this is a known issue on this 1.5L eco boost engine. Estimate $9K to replace with new engine! It's technically not a blown head gasket. It's a design/manufacturing defect in the open-deck design ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V536000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 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 not yet available. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached. In addition, several months later while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front driver’s side A-pill... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
I was driving down the road and suddenly my van shut down causing me to drive over a curb and now my van does not start it cranks and there is a spark however it does not turnover and start and does not run!
Crash
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
This vehicle about 6-8 weeks ago started throwing codes for all systems above (over 100 codes). This issue affected all systems of the vehicle including but not limited to the speed and braking of the vehicle, plus the fuel system and adaptive driving systems. We took it to the dealer Performance Peterbilt in Tifton, GA. They cleared the codes and said they resolved it by replacing a NOX sensor. W... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Master cylinder leaked into brake booster. Paid for those repairs which apparently are covered under other 2017 VIN # but not mine? Now the ABS transducer is messed up and the car needs new hydraulic pump & module.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of white exhaust smoke coming from the rear exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfact... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 253,000.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle briefly jerked and hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed that the coolant reservoir was empty but was unable to determine if there was a coolant leak. The contact inspected the engine b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V720000 (Electrical System); 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. Additionally, the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
While I was driving my new 2025 Lexus NX 350H on the freeway, the driver side rear tire disintegrated and I had to make an emergency evasive maneuver to the shoulder of the freeway!
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
While I was driving my new 2025 Lexus NX 350H on the freeway, the driver side rear tire disintegrated and I had to make an emergency evasive maneuver to the shoulder of the freeway!
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I am getting the message "Shift to Park" displayed while vehicle in park after turning the vehicle off. Looking online, it seems to be a common issue with Blazers as well as other GM vehicles. I found online that "the cause of the condition may be that the park switch in the transmission control (shifter) assembly is not pulling the BCM signal low to electronically show that the vehicle is in the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I am getting the message "Shift to Park" displayed while vehicle in park after turning the vehicle off. Looking online, it seems to be a common issue with Blazers as well as other GM vehicles. I found online that "the cause of the condition may be that the park switch in the transmission control (shifter) assembly is not pulling the BCM signal low to electronically show that the vehicle is in the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
Suddenly slows down without any reason while lane changing or at stop sign. It is a safety issues.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V720000 (Electrical System); 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Windshield developed a crack with no impact. Windshield was normal on a morning errand, then noticed on an afternoon impact. Took dealership and they took pictures, and they did not find any evidence of impact, but refuse to repair under warranty.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Was driving on highway when given error ""Propulsion Power Reduced." This resulted in less power available, which is a safety hazard. Then after a while of driving (on the highway) I received the error "Engine Not Available," which caused me to have to continue on electric only power. If I did not have any battery left in the traction battery, I would have had to maneuver to the shoulder. The erro... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Transmission messed up only own the car for 7 months
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that an unidentified recall was previously completed on the vehicle; however, the recall remedy failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel locked. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and deter... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that an unidentified recall was previously completed on the vehicle; however, the recall remedy failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel locked. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and deter... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V482000 (TIRES); 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 confirms part... Read more