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 3, 2024
The Check engine light is displayed, a drivetrain malfunction message is being displayed and the engine's power output has been reduced The issue is diagnosed as turbocharger wastegate valve actuator I would like for BMW to extend the limited warranty for this issue to 2014 BMW 528i
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly experienced a loss of automotive power and reduced speeds before stalling. The failure had occurred on multiple occasions and during the failures the message "Vehicle must be in park to shift gear" had also displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to du... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
On our 2016 BMW 428i----RECALL 24V608--Engine Coolant Pump --no remedy as of yet (9.3.24). We have contacted BMW several times. We are worried for our safety because the drops of liquid could drip down onto the electrical connector of the pump. This could short circuit and might even cause a fire. Please HELP! Thank you for your attention to this time sensitive issue.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the A-Pillar trim on the driver's side loosened and was blown off the vehicle. The contact was unable to recover the trim from the highway. The contact stated that later, the passenger’s side A-Pillar trim also blew off the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was di... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
September 2024, i bought my car to the dealership to check multiple warning lights showed up on my dashboard. The dealer read the code and determine the multipurpose windshield camera had internal malfunction. The dealer told me that my multipurpose windshield camera need to be replace on my 60k mi 2020 Odyssey EX-L for ~$2.3k in Conshohocken PA. I had many of those sensor lights on (e. g. ACC, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
Coolant valve failed ($700)shortly after warranty ended; extended warranty did not cover repair. Coolant valve then caused harness to be unusable causing for a $4500 part replacement to be required. During the whole process the Toyota dealership maintenance told me that the engine repair required alert was for normal maintenance and directed me to continue driving with it until my scheduled servic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
Since the purchase in 2018, the radio screen stays black for several minutes after starting. Dealer says nothing is wrong but replaced it once. Death wobble is back after recall of steering dampener.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The front passenger side headrest Safety mechanism deployed as I was driving down the road and upon looking at it, a piece inside is broken. when the headrest deployed, it hit my passenger in the head, pushing him forward and give him a headache it came out so hard and fast I brought the car to the dealership today, 9/3/24 they said other year, Durango have a recall, but my year is not one of t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
Received warning message on center console. The message stated that Driver Assistance permanently restricted. This is message has appeared several times but disappears without provided a code or tripping a warning lamp.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
I was driving 50-55 mph on a two lane road. The car in front of me was 3 car lengths ahead and the car on my right side was approaching from behind. As I drove under an overpass my car jerked forward almost coming to a complete stop. I jerked forward and then back into my seat back. I had my ID badge on my front seat and it flew to the floor. As the car was jerking to almost stop the brake light o... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2022
I have approximately 53000 miles on my vehicle. The Engine light turned on end of Aug. So I took it to a service center. They said the message code was P306 & P0316. They inspected and said the cylinder is misfiring, coolant has gotten into the cylinder, and the gasket is mush. The engine is rough running and told me to take it to Ford, I will need a new engine. In searching this problem I found ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
My spark plugs need to be changed every 6 months. Eventually had to get a new engine because of it. I have 5000 miles on the new engine and already had to get new spark plugs today again. Please recall this!!
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
ABS, Traction control, and brake light on. DTC code C2200-49 internal electrical error. Part is not available for sale. What are owners to do?
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
My low pressure fuel hose has a leak. The amount of gasoline that is spraying on my spark plugs and engine is concerning. The gas fume smell coming in through the vent was horrible. After finding this leak I came to the conclusion that I am very lucky My car didn’t catch fire while I was driving. For some reason there is already a recall in place that includes my vehicle year but does not in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
My front collision system will sporadically start flashing when there is nothing in front of me. One time a dealer was able to read a code saying that it overheated, and told me that was a known issue with no solution. It was 100F, but I have had the same issue at 35F. The dealership and corporate cannot tell me how the safety system will respond with this error, either disabling my crash preve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
The chest clip button is not difficult to open. The chest clip is a button on this carseat instead of a buckle. My child, who will be 2 years old this month, has been able to unbuckle the chest clip for months now. I am concerned if an accident occurs and the chest clip is unbuckled, he will get seriously injured.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
The chest clip button is not difficult to open. The chest clip is a button on this carseat instead of a buckle. My child, who will be 2 years old this month, has been able to unbuckle the chest clip for months now. I am concerned if an accident occurs and the chest clip is unbuckled, he will get seriously injured.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Brand new car with 300 miles jerks and jolts leaving from a stop and hesitates going up hill. Feels like car has no power behind it. Forward collision also breaks randomly. Currently at dealership.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The wrong turn signal lights up. I know there is a recall for this but my vehicle does not come up when I search for affected vehicles.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
My son bought this used car. The STOP ENGINE light came on, got an oil change but the light did not go away. Were told that the oil pressure might be the issue so took it to the mechanic. We were told it was most likely the oil pressure switch. There were multiple codes(cones) and were cleared. The switch was replaced but the engine light's still on & the STOP ENGINE comes on but goes off. It appe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Highway travel at approx 65mph, experienced a sudden violent uncontrollable steering wheel movement known as a death wobble. Uncontrollable steering wheel movement increased resulting in a reactionary driver hard breaking application to try and regain control of the vehicle steering WITHOUT checking rear view mirror for other motorists close behind. Speed dropped to approx 30-35mph before regainin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The windshield started leaking, with potential damage to the interior and electrical system. (No such damage has occurred yet as I immediately sent it to Land Rover Princeton NJ) and was diagnosed by them and confirmed that the leak was due to the windshield. However, in April 2019, the windshield of the vehicle was replaced and repaired due to a leak, as well as a recall noted here: [XXX] I’ve ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and releasing the accelerator pedal to come to a stop, the vehicle sputtered, made a clicking sound, and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
The INFO touchscreen randomly activates itself (the commonly reported "ghost screen" problem that occurs due to defective coating on touchscreen) which cause settings and selections to change uncontrollably, including placing phone calls, etc. This is very distracting and hazardous for this to randomly happen while operating the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
PTU completely bad...just purchased the vehicle and it went bad less than a month after
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling out of the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the temperature gauge quickly rose to hot(H). The vehicle was taken to the residence where coolant was added to the coolant reservoir. The failure reoccurred on several occasions and on one occasion the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Hello, My 2018 Infiniti QX30 slips into neutral while driving on the road at high speeds and without any warning. The message on the dash is vague “Service required. Do not shift gears. Visit Dealer.” I almost got into an accident more than once while driving the vehicle as low power to the vehicle accompanies this when it happens. I had absolutely no problems with the vehicle leading up to t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Vehicle stuck in 7th gear upon starting.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
I went for my 30K mile warranty check. As I was as driving to the appointment the red engine light came on. It was the engine coolant. There is an issue with the head gasket on this model. I asked for it to be checked. The Service department said there is no leak and they replenished the coolant. I have read about this with many other VW Taos owners. I was also told I need new brakes. The brakes w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
I went for my 30K mile warranty check. As I was as driving to the appointment the red engine light came on. It was the engine coolant. There is an issue with the head gasket on this model. I asked for it to be checked. The Service department said there is no leak and they replenished the coolant. I have read about this with many other VW Taos owners. I was also told I need new brakes. The brakes w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
My 2018 Kia Sorento sticks and when pushing the gas and the RPM jumps up. The car also stalls out and then turns right back on. It shakes and makes a funny noise as well.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
Headlights flicker on and off causing periods of zero visibility during night time driving. No warning lights or messages.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that parts were not yet availa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
After a drive from Denver to Breckenridge on snowy roads the car was parked in an unplowed parking space. When the car was moved 1 hr later the car had no ABS--flashing on dash, no traction control--flashing on dash and steering was ineffective. Car was only drivable by backing into a space. 20 hrs later the car was to be moved again...again, everything flashed on dash...no ABS, no traction con... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
As of 10May2023 the Driver Front Airbag Inflator May Rupture and could cause death to occupants of the car. All in my car are at risk for metal parts flying in the cabin of the SUV if the airbag inflator ruptures. This could cause death per recall notice. I called all the dealers near me and GM no one can get the parts to fix this potentially life threatening defect. Please help them get the pa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the message to" Shift to Park and Restart" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled but was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to a dealer during the first failure ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
I had a series of concerning incidents with my car. The trunk door was getting stuck halfway, but I was able to close it after turning on the engine. I also encountered a malfunction error on the backup camera, a Drive Train warning sign, and the car alarm going off by itself. The most alarming issue was when the car started smoking and then caught fire underneath the hood near the driver's side w... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshields started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that parts were not yet availab... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2015 Lexus ES350. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH during heavy rain weather conditions, the vehicle was hydroplaned, control of the vehicle was lost, and crashed into the concrete median. The contact heads impacted the steering wheel and the vehicle ricocheted off the concrete median and spun three times. The vehicle crashed into a wall and the vehicle came to a stop... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
It happened several times already. My F150 Tremor randomly has extremely loud electrical sound POP through the speakers followed by the loud static, no matter I listen to radio or connect to android studio. It's super dangerous to hear this while driving.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
02/23/2022 while driving down interstate sunroof glass suddenly exploded for no known reason. I see this is more common than I first thought. Hope the auto industry will be forced if necessary to make changes to correct the ongoing problem
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
Front passenger safety restraint system fault error. They tried fixing and it started the next day again. Now they want to replace this along with my airbag. This seems to be a consistent issue reading forums online. This is a manufacturing defect and major safety issue.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat. The air bag is on for a while "passenger restrain system", nothing really happened it appear one day and never left.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was a hesitation, and the vehicle surged forward before coming to a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware of TSB 0059/23, NHTSA ID Number: 10244133 (Electrical System, Air Bags, Service Brakes) for the 2021 - 2022 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle was ta... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the RPM increased but the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the check engine warning light illuminated and then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmis... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Front gas tank frame bracket rusted away and gas tank tilted down on front of tank. 2009 through 2012 models recalled for this identical problem. Dealer tells me my 2014 not covered under recall. I have same problem that was recalled two years before.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
I have an interesting issue. Driving down the road and the buttons on the steering wheel stop working. I pull over turn the RV off, wait a minute then turn the RV on and the buttons now work. The dealer has already replaced the module controlling the buttons.