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 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The upper molding the the grille broke off while driving at high speed and likely caused issues for following cars. After researching the issue, this is a common problem with owners of this model. It is $1,500 to get replaced.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Recently, the emergency braking system has been activated without warning on multiple occasions, including while driving on the freeway and local streets, even when no obstacles were present. This unexpected braking could potentially lead to dangerous situations, especially at high speeds. The emergency braking system unexpectedly activates without any obstruction, indicating a possible malfuncti... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 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 that on three separate occasions, while driving, the A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the detached trim piece had damaged other vehicles. The vehicle was take... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The telematics display / unit displays errors and will freeze. If the driver has adjusted the volume, it may not work. They may try to do this several times not realizing that the radio is lagging. The volume will quickly ramp several moments later and could surprise a driver and cause loss of control. In addition, the on-screen navigation screen can freeze up and the applications appear to resize... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
On the highway and interstate highway, during stop in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle randomly automatically shifts into park and apply the parking brakes when attempting to accelerate from standstill. This only happens when you try to move again after stopping, and the vehicle is shifted into park in the most inopportune times. It requires you not only to shift it back to drive with your r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Rolled down back window it broke and didn’t go back up
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Rolled down back window it broke and didn’t go back up
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
My son reported driving home from school. He was stopped an intersection ready to make a turn. When he stepped on the gas pedal to go, the engine stopped and a message "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" message appeared in the dashboard. Engine light and steering light also came "on" the dash. This may occur while driving and put the driver at risk. His 2024 Toyota Corolla was brought in to the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); however, the contact was informed that the instrument panel failed to allow access to the odometer and the recall repair was denied. The dealer informed the contact that for the recall repair to be completed, an odometer rea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); however, the contact was informed that the instrument panel failed to allow access to the odometer and the recall repair was denied. The dealer informed the contact that for the recall repair to be completed, an odometer rea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rubber around the front windshield had disintegrated. There was water entering the vehicle from the front windshield. The contact added a caulk to the vehicle to stop the water leaking in on the dashboard. The engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The Electronic Power Steering malfunction while driving. The “Service Power Steering” warning light was illumiated and no power assisted steering was available during failure. The vehicle was nearly impossible to steer off the highway. Luckily other drivers were paying attention and were able to steer clear of me. Waited about an hour in a parking lot with the Truck off and when I restarted it... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The contact had to slam on the brake pedal for the vehicle to stop. The Service Advance-trac, brakes, and check brake system messages were displayed. The contact researched online and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not inc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 manuf... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway while driving. The contact stated that the headlights were very dim. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the headlights; however, the failure persisted. The contact learned of a Class Action Lawsuit regarding the poorly illuminating headlamps. The de... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Vehicle stalls when at very slow speeds which requires you to put the vehicle in park and restart. This has happened over 15 times and last time was 10/29/24.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The safety of this vehicle is a ticking time bomb. We are instructed not to park in or near a structure, near other vehicles, or charge it. Even if I don’t not charge it how am I supposed to park at my own home? How am I supposed to park at work? You are putting several lives at risk not to mention others vehicles, houses, businesses. I do search and rescue and have my k9 with me pretty much at ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. Additionally, on other occasions while stopped at stop signs and or red lights, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that either the fuel inje... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
Engine failed in traffic and would not start resulting in pushing vehicle by hand out of highway. Towed to dealership and was told needed new engine $17000.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
As I was driving down the road the front upper lip of my grill blew off and hit my windshield and then flew into car behind me. Looked online and this is a very common theme with GMC built in 2021 & 2022.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The Electoral System gives a red warning on the Dashboard Stating, " NO POWER SERVICE EV SYSTEM." The EV goes completely dead even with a charged battery it takes several times trying to restart the car aprox 20minutes to more then a hour until finally the car turns over. I believe this is safety risk as it strands its occupants in sometime dangerous or unknown locations or even in the middle of n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN A ERROR CAME THAT SAID "FRONT RIGHT SIDE MARKER LIGHT DEFECTIVE" MY LIGHTS ARE WORKING PERFECTLY FINE.THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH THE LIGHTS AT ALL. THIS IS A FALSE SENSOR ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND RECALLED.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The shade retraction on the moonroof is malfunctioning, causing the fabric to not retract completely, the sagging fabric is causing visibility obstruction. My Ford dealership have inspected the issue and have quoted me an approximate price of $1700 to fix the issue, which is currently cost prohibitive for me ($400 for the replacement part + approx 6 hours of labor), unfortunately this will not be ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the hood was shuddering significantly. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the hood shuddered and rose continuously while remaining closed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road each time the failure occurred due to safety concerns. The contact stated that the failure had red... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle temporarily lost motive power, and the contact became aware that the vehicle had failed to shift out of first gear. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. Additionally, the contact st... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle temporarily lost motive power, and the contact became aware that the vehicle had failed to shift out of first gear. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. Additionally, the contact st... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
My lights on dash come on stablizer,abs, anti slip and 4 wheel drive and it wants to jerk to left like brake activating had it looked at poages Hannibal mo fixed wheel speed sensor didn't help so now said nothing they can do theres no solution. I can't drive my truck to scared of it . Need to get something I don't have a vehicle and making a payment on something I can't drive. Don't know if I can... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the infotainment system screen operated independently and an unknown notification alert sounded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,0... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
I was driving the truck and applied the brakes to slow down for a turn, the anti-lock brake system activated and I lost the power steering and power brakes. There is steering fluid all over the engine so apparently either a line broke or the reservoir broke. This truck has the hydro boost brake system which is why I lost the steering and the brakes.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
I was driving the truck and applied the brakes to slow down for a turn, the anti-lock brake system activated and I lost the power steering and power brakes. There is steering fluid all over the engine so apparently either a line broke or the reservoir broke. This truck has the hydro boost brake system which is why I lost the steering and the brakes.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
Jeep Death Wobble- car shakes violently at freeway speeds (anything over 45 mph) if even small bumps or rain ruts in road. Car is stock parts (no modifications) and has not been used off-road. First occurred at less than 18K miles- repair made by Jeep Dealer, but issue returned within 10K miles. 2nd attempt at repair was blamed by dealer on tires off-balance, however issue has continued to occu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the “Triangle with an Exclamation Mark” symbol was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the failure the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speed speeds or while at a complete stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the mechanic discovered metal shavings inside the transmission pan. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
While traveling on a bridge with a very steep incline, the forward safety system light came on, which disabled the cruise control. We could not resolve the warning light issue, despite taking it thru a car wash, hoping that the sensor was just dirty. The warning light remained on for several days, then went away. One month later, on a sunny, dry day, the light returned. I made an appt at the loc... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
While traveling on a bridge with a very steep incline, the forward safety system light came on, which disabled the cruise control. We could not resolve the warning light issue, despite taking it thru a car wash, hoping that the sensor was just dirty. The warning light remained on for several days, then went away. One month later, on a sunny, dry day, the light returned. I made an appt at the loc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
While driving down a busy road my wrench light appeared on my dash and made a dinging noise. As soon as I saw/heard that I could hear a faint ticking noise. Soon after, my engine quit running and I was stalled out in the middle of a lane on a busy road. I was unable to start my vehicle after that. My engine had seized. There was no prior check engine lights or anything. I had only owned the truck ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Got my car back from service a couple months ago and it is still performing with errors. While driving in a specific lane on the freeway the car would try to pull my steering wheel to the other lane. VinFast stated an update is all is needed and the problem still is occurring. This car is dangerous. One example of this is the Pleasanton California incident.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
Suspension noise, front suspension or steering squeak or groaning while turning. Tesla service identified LH half Shaft was damaged and blaming it's due to outside influence because impact to the undershiled. This car should be still under 4 years and 50K warranty but Tesla service refused warranty on the parts.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact became aware that the driver’s side keypad had detached from the door, causing the trunk to not release or open. The door ajar warning light illuminated; however, all the doors were properly closed. The contact stated that the failure was temporarily repaired with tape. The local dealer was not contacted.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
GM Class Action says Cadillac SRX Headlight failure merits recall. No recall ever received. A lack of adequate illumination. GM, Mastria GMC Cadillac Inc. and 3rd party failed to disclose the defect. Leaving me the owner to pay for the entire cost for replacement headlights.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Mustang. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V319000 (Air Bags) and 19V001000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 ava... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Sudden and dramatic loss of engine coolant. Received a warning that engine was overheating, and to shut off engine. Quickly obeyed the prompt and found that most of the engine coolant had been lost due to a catastrophic failure of either the head gasket or head itself.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee; Manufacture Date October 2018 Vehicle engine off and vehicle in park in the driveway. Came out to the car to get something out of it and found that the passenger side active headrest safety feature had deployed. My car was not involved any type of collision - nothing has hit my car. It just popped out all on its own when no one was in the car and the vehicle wasn’t eve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Leather dash defective and is shrinking potentially interfering with airbag deployment on the front passenger side
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Car stalls while driving. Sometimes car will not start. Car cranks but doesn’t start. Check engine light and sometimes the traction control light goes on. This seems similar to what is the safety recall S89 but our car was manufactured in September 2015. Root cause seems to be in the relay box with the automatic shutdown being corroded and subsequent issues with the crank shaft position senso... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
white paint flaking off hood roof and trunk areas to bare metal. it gets worse when car is washed
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Numerous issues: 1. Multiple misfire codes, check engine 2. Loss of Coolant, no indication of leaks 3. Faulty thermostat. Loss of A/C and heat 4. Bottom of both sliding door panels corroded, with paint loss 5. Uconnect system malfunctioned, not working at all **Repairs have costs thousands already. And based on the other complaints, probably much, much more. Something is obviously wron... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
vehicle shaking when trying to start with me and my children in vehicle. Error code misfire of cylinder 1 and then smoke from exhaust. Just had it repaired in July