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 6,381 complaints for MINI
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as power steering assist failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
The drivers side door no longer opens from the outside of the Vehicle, I have to climb over the passenger seat to enter the car. Yes available for inspection In an emergency situation I would not be able to enter the vehicle from the drivers side, and it’s unclear if it will fail further and prevent exit from the vehicle Yes the dealer has confirmed the issue There are no warning lamps Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
The catalytic converter failed at 87000 miles
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled after coming to a stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the vehicle stalled after refueling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved the error code: P0456 (Evaporative Emission Control System Leak). The ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
Manufacturer Recall Number ZB7 NHTSA Recall Number 22V-865 No JEEP dealerships around NY State (even the Oneonta NY dealership who sold me the actual vehicle) seem willing to assist and schedule a repair. How do I file a complaint?
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that after activating the heater, there was a burning plastic odor coming from the front windshield vents. The contact stopped using the defroster due to the odor and the possible... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2022) - ENGINE
Jan 23, 2023
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
Engine defective after 70,000 miles driven. Hyundai agreed the engine was defective and agreed to replace engine after it was brought in and diagnosed on December 12th 2022. Vehicle still at dealership awaiting new engine. Dealer stated that engine is on back order as of this date January 23rd 2023, and has no idea when it will be coming in!
MINI
COOPER CONVERTIBLE
(2009) - ENGINE
Jan 22, 2023
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
With 8500 miles while driving the engine started ticking, jerks on acceleration, Trans shifting very slow and a light warning with “reduced acceleration while driving” came on. Then immediately after the Instrument panels warning lights indicated service traction control, forward collision system unavailable, and check engine light all illuminated. Then car stopped accelerating and was almost ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2016
The car has an automatic engine shut off when the car comes to a complete stop (brake pushed fully). Over the course of a month, the car will stop and start correctly many times, however 5-7 times a month the engine will not come back on...the lights and radio will all be on and the engine will not come on. This requires me to put the car in park, turn the car completely off, restart the car all... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2022
At any speed over 55 mph any bump or irregularity on the road causes the front tires to rapidly bounce up and down from the left side wheel to the right side wheel. There's almost zero steering control. Emergency braking to under 20 mph is necessary to stop the vibration and regain steering control. Sometimes a complete stop in the travel lane of a highway is necessary. The vehicle was purchas... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
In September 2020 I was on the expressway when my engine failed, I was able to get into the emergency lane after almost causing an accident, after inspecting the car it was concluded that the engine was no longer viable with no explanation of why the engine failed. So I replaced the engine and the car was still not drivable. In March 2022 I was able to get it started when I tried to drive the car ... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2018) - STEERING
Jan 12, 2023
Incident date: Apr 1, 2019
My car just shut off while I’m driving
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
At 15,000 miles, front brake pads and rotors were badly worn and rear brake pads. Replaced brake pads front and rear.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2020
Warning comes on stating secure vehicle from rolling. Dealership told us a "sensor" would need to be replaced to correct the problem. It would cost 1800.00 for the part. Advised to put parking brake on when parked. This seems to be a manufacturer problem. We had this issue around 36000 miles.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
After work, I started the car in a parking lot. Before leaving, a fire started under the hood behind the passenger side headlight. After using the jaws of life to take off the hood, the fire department contained the fire. No injuries. There was extensive damage to the right front. The contents were all smoke damaged. Neighboring cars were not damaged. The car has been totaled.
Fire
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
The drains that funnel rain water from sun roof and doors become dislodge causing water to flood inside the passenger floor and cause electrical short.. my main computer shorted out and my car died while i was doing 65 mph on the freeway i was almost killed the mini dealer checked it out and said the water inside was the cause it ran me $4000 to repair it I looked on line and there's hundreds of ... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2014) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
The drains that funnel rain water from sun roof and doors become dislodge causing water to flood inside the passenger floor and cause electrical short.. my main computer shorted out and my car died while i was doing 65 mph on the freeway i was almost killed the mini dealer checked it out and said the water inside was the cause it ran me $4000 to repair it I looked on line and there's hundreds of ... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
The drains that funnel rain water from sun roof and doors become dislodge causing water to flood inside the passenger floor and cause electrical short.. my main computer shorted out and my car died while i was doing 65 mph on the freeway i was almost killed the mini dealer checked it out and said the water inside was the cause it ran me $4000 to repair it I looked on line and there's hundreds of ... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2016) - AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that intermittently the “Passenger restraint system malfunction - Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting air bag - Consult Nearest Service Center" message was displayed while the seat was occupied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side seat sensor needed to be r... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2016) - AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that intermittently the “Passenger restraint system malfunction - Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting air bag - Consult Nearest Service Center" message was displayed while the seat was occupied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side seat sensor needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Passenger seat occupancy sensor has failed, rendering the airbag system permanently turned off until it is replaced. This is an issue that is so common that people are purchasing bypass units off of eBay to trick the computer into thinking the passenger is there. A quick google search will confirm this. It cannot be condoned that a company as large as BMW gets a free pass on refusing to fix th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Passenger seat occupancy sensor has failed, rendering the airbag system permanently turned off until it is replaced. This is an issue that is so common that people are purchasing bypass units off of eBay to trick the computer into thinking the passenger is there. A quick google search will confirm this. It cannot be condoned that a company as large as BMW gets a free pass on refusing to fix th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
Driving at low speed piercing loud noises came from speakers, buzzing and whining. Noise stayed on with ignition on or off and radio on or off. This occurred two more times on way home. Am waiting for dealer appointment. Have not driven vehicle since.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Airbag Warning Light has come on indicating a malfunction with this safety system and consequently that the airbag safety system may not deploy in the event of an accident. This problem is not unique to my specific vehicle and appears to be a very common issue amongst BMW Mini vehicles as evidenced by much discussion on forums across the internet.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
The contact owned a 2019 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH with her 3 years old son in a car seat located in the rear seats. and coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and vibrated while emitting an abnormal ticking sound. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the trailer hitch of the occupied vehicle before her. There was no warning lig... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
When passenger is seated with safety belt on the seat belt light comes on along with a message that the passenger seat air bag will not deploy.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
When passenger is seated with safety belt on the seat belt light comes on along with a message that the passenger seat air bag will not deploy.
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2015) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
I opened door in freezing conditions and the door refused to open. Then once I got it opened it would not shut or remain latched with an pressure. Problems have been identified by rusted cables from door latch to door handle. These devices should have the ability to hold a load once it’s latched, especially in rear where children can do kid things.
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
I opened door in freezing conditions and the door refused to open. Then once I got it opened it would not shut or remain latched with an pressure. Problems have been identified by rusted cables from door latch to door handle. These devices should have the ability to hold a load once it’s latched, especially in rear where children can do kid things.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
i Purchased the car in Dover Pa . INspection sticker had same milage as on car so i shoulda knew he slapped a sticker on . drove 150 miles dash lit ip like chrismas tree. 1st thing left window wont work , then left lock wont work had to lock from passenfger dide. then door wont open at all . have to get ou t passenger door . know that wont open have to put down passenger window pull handel to get... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
i Purchased the car in Dover Pa . INspection sticker had same milage as on car so i shoulda knew he slapped a sticker on . drove 150 miles dash lit ip like chrismas tree. 1st thing left window wont work , then left lock wont work had to lock from passenfger dide. then door wont open at all . have to get ou t passenger door . know that wont open have to put down passenger window pull handel to get... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
i Purchased the car in Dover Pa . INspection sticker had same milage as on car so i shoulda knew he slapped a sticker on . drove 150 miles dash lit ip like chrismas tree. 1st thing left window wont work , then left lock wont work had to lock from passenfger dide. then door wont open at all . have to get ou t passenger door . know that wont open have to put down passenger window pull handel to get... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
The passenger seat occupancy detection module and program failed. The red airbag and seatbelt lights went on. According to the dealership, the default setting is that the airbag will not go off if the module is broken. A Google search suggests that this is a common problem; so much so that there is an electronic gadget you can buy and videos on YouTube on how to install it to do a "workaround" to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
The passenger seat occupancy detection module and program failed. The red airbag and seatbelt lights went on. According to the dealership, the default setting is that the airbag will not go off if the module is broken. A Google search suggests that this is a common problem; so much so that there is an electronic gadget you can buy and videos on YouTube on how to install it to do a "workaround" to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
On October 4, 2022, the Mini Cooper hardtop 4 door was hit in a head-on collision by a driver who was going at least 40 MPH, possibly more. The car that hit the Cooper was a Toyota Prius. All the Prious' airbags deployed. No airbags deployed on the Mini Cooper hardtop 4 door. None. The Mini Cooper, after assessment, was considered to be a total loss.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 9, 2014
Power Steering pump leaking failure
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
Car shows signs of passenger seat occupancy sensor recall. Mini acknowledges the recall has not been performed. Mini expanded recall to 10 years from date of service but because previous owner didn't get recall done I cannot. This is a known issue with these cars and should not have an expiration date! Dealer I purchased car from used says that because recall isn't listed here then they aren't lia... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2019) - AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Oct 26, 2022
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
In July 2022, I kept getting a warning that the passenger restraint system is malfunctioning whenever somebody sits on the passenger seat. I brought my car to Mini of Austin and they had the system being reset but the warning came up again a few days later when somebody sat on my passenger seat. In August 2022, I brought my car back to Mini of Austin and a week later they told me that they had to ... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Oct 26, 2022
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
In July 2022, I kept getting a warning that the passenger restraint system is malfunctioning whenever somebody sits on the passenger seat. I brought my car to Mini of Austin and they had the system being reset but the warning came up again a few days later when somebody sat on my passenger seat. In August 2022, I brought my car back to Mini of Austin and a week later they told me that they had to ... Read more
MINI
COOPER COUNTRYMAN
(2012) - ENGINE
Oct 18, 2022
Incident date: Oct 16, 2022
Our Mini Cooper Countymen S was being towed behind our motorhome. I. saw smoke coming from the car I stopped and the car started to catch on fire. I got out motorhome disconnect just in time before the Mini was consumed by fire, it was a total loss. The Fire Investigator stated he believed the fire started in the right side of the engine compartment.
Fire
Incident date: Oct 17, 2022
I purchased this vehicle on 9/03/2019 with 29,871 miles. I had to replace the clutch on 5/11/2020 at 39,690 miles. I am now having to purchase yet ANOTHER clutch on 10/17/2022 with 58,850 miles. Two clutches within 3 years is just unacceptable!
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2019) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
Vehicle stalled 10/01/2022. Towed home and it started. Stalled again 10/07/2022 and had it towed to third party mechanic. Could not identify the problem. Took to another mechanic who is experienced in Mini Cooper BMW engines. Problem was condensation in the electric fuel pump control module caused corrosion. Had to be replaced. Could not identify where the condensation build up starts. Con... Read more
MINI
COOPER CLUBMAN
(2011) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 4, 2022
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
At about 6:40AM on September 23, 2022, the 2011 Mini Clubman car caught on fire. The car was parked in the driveway, locked with everything off, key removed and unoccupied. It was last driven the evening of September 22nd. About 6:40AM the interior behind the steering wheel and dashboard erupted into flames. The car filled with smoke and flames. The fire burned for about 5 -10 minutes and self... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
When refueling, fuel is rejected after dispensing about 1/8 US gallons, about 4 oz. Of course, fuel spills are a hazard - both in possibly of fire, and to the environment - by contaminating ground water. Dealer said that there are several solenoid operated valves and replaced fuel tank and fill pipe, a cost to me of $2400.00. There are many reports of this on social media, one person suggested hol... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Transmission-get message when opening car door to put parking brake on to secure vehicle from rolling… Car does not roll, goes into gear with no problem… on the mini message board a lot of owners getting the same message….
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
This vehicle just went over 66,000 miles and the airbag warning light started appearing. An independent mechanic and dealership both diagnosed and said it's a defective front passenger seat occupant detection mat and I'd need to replace the entire system/seat. Several other vehicles with the same part have recalls however my specific 2008 model is not included in this recall. I believe it should b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
This vehicle just went over 66,000 miles and the airbag warning light started appearing. An independent mechanic and dealership both diagnosed and said it's a defective front passenger seat occupant detection mat and I'd need to replace the entire system/seat. Several other vehicles with the same part have recalls however my specific 2008 model is not included in this recall. I believe it should b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Transmission/timing chain issue/engine malfunctions
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Transmission/timing chain issue/engine malfunctions
Incident date: Sep 2, 2022
a broken $4 part in the shifting mechanism may cause the car to roll when in park unexpectedly. to replace the part costs ~$2000 in labor. this is a well known issue with MINI Coopers. there is a warning message about the car potentially rolling. given the cost and wide-spread nature of the issue MINI should replace at no cost.