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: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked violently. The transmission and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the clutch actuator; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
More than once while driving, the 48inch dashboard screen and the center touch screen, and power steering and the majority of electrical components would cease to work at all once and without warning. Essentially, the car goes "dark" like a computer that had its power cord pulled from the wall. Twice I had to come to a stop, with minimal ability to steer (no power). Eventually, after about 60 to 9... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle failed to shift into park after stopping. While shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to move after the gear selector was placed in the desired gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train). The contact called a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
HARD SHIFTING ! NOT UP SHIFTING OR DOWN SHIFTING OR IT WILL GO FROM 10TH TO 1ST GEAR ON THE HWY CAUSING LOSS OF POWER, I HAD 2 SEMI TRUCKS RIGHT BEHIND ME ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, WHEN STOPING AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN IT DOES NOT WANT TO GO FORWARD TRYING TO START IN A HIGHER GEAR, AND CAUSING ME TO BE STUCK IN THE INTERSECTION WITH ON COMING TRAFFICK. IT IS LOUNGING FORWARD ON ITS OWN, IT ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that oil from the turbo booster had leaked onto the catalytic converter and both the turbo booster and catalytic con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Headlights cycle on and off. Does this frequently. Checked on BMW site Bimmerpost and other people have had the same problem. Google 2019 BMW x3 headlights tuning off and on after shut down.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
I just purchased as 2021 Toyota Venza Limited. The headlight on low beam cast a odd shaped shadow. It is very distracting and often makes you think something is in front of the car. The issue dissappears when headlight are switched to high beam. This is very unsafe and deserves a recall.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
Driver seat belt latch starting to stick and not latch properly
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
I was turning left into a parking lot when my 2020 Voyager steering stopped working while it started to show all warning lights and the wipers went on, then it went dead, had to be towed on a flatbed to the dealership, and after 4 weeks with no solution in sight, I decided to bring it home and research the solution myself, The problem came from the CAN bus connector located above the glove box, an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
I was turning left into a parking lot when my 2020 Voyager steering stopped working while it started to show all warning lights and the wipers went on, then it went dead, had to be towed on a flatbed to the dealership, and after 4 weeks with no solution in sight, I decided to bring it home and research the solution myself, The problem came from the CAN bus connector located above the glove box, an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of an undisclosed NHTSA Campaign however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump and the batte... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of an undisclosed NHTSA Campaign however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump and the batte... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Transmissiongoes into neutral while driving car at times. sometimes it will not go back into gear No movement of car on freeway potential of being hit from behind. problem reproduced, inspected by independent shop not inspected no lights
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Brake rotors warped. Beginning at approximately 5k miles, the steering began exhibiting a juddering upon applying braking. Over time, the juddering became more pronounced. At approximately 15k miles, I took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the brake rotors were warped. The defective brake components put my safety at risk, as well as the safety of my passengers and others... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
There is a glare on the windshield from the dash. When it’s daylight, it’s difficult to see the road because the glare from the dash is so bad.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The dashboard glare is extremely dangerous. I can’t see people walking when I’m driving because the glare is so intense because of the dashboard.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted to first gear unexpectedly, causing the rear tires to lock-up. The vehicle drove off the road into a ditch. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not sustained any injury and was able to drive to the nearby residence. The contact is an independent mechanic. The c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I just bought this truck in June of 2024. This was a bad dealer because he knowingly sold me the truck with severe frame damage and let me drive a dangerous truck off the lot. I cannot deem it as a total loss to have it replaced because it falls under “wear and tear”. I now have to pay for the truck for the next 5 years and don’t have the money to fix it because the quote states it will be a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I just bought this truck in June of 2024. This was a bad dealer because he knowingly sold me the truck with severe frame damage and let me drive a dangerous truck off the lot. I cannot deem it as a total loss to have it replaced because it falls under “wear and tear”. I now have to pay for the truck for the next 5 years and don’t have the money to fix it because the quote states it will be a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, 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 failur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, 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 failur... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The car is kept at a dealership in Savannah. The recall 251 caused the damage of the ABS. The dealership says it is not possible to fix, the manufacturer does not assume any responsiility
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The car is kept at a dealership in Savannah. The recall 251 caused the damage of the ABS. The dealership says it is not possible to fix, the manufacturer does not assume any responsiility
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distributi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Bright sunlight and direct sunlight can cause the dashboard to reflect off the inside of the windshield, severely reducing visibility of the rodea.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Bright sunlight and direct sunlight can cause the dashboard to reflect off the inside of the windshield, severely reducing visibility of the rodea.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space, the contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact pumped the brake pedal and then depressed the brake pedal to the floor for the vehicle to come to a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to be diagnosed and it was determined that the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Backup camera is flipped upside down all the time or doesn't work at times.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Recall- 95B - Hight Voltage Battery, there is no fix for the problem at the present time. Now the vehicle can no longer be charges and must run on gasoline. The vehicle was purchased with the intention of using the battery to go to and from work on a single charge. The vehicle can no longer be charged or parked in our garage due to potential fire risk.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Recall- 95B - Hight Voltage Battery, there is no fix for the problem at the present time. Now the vehicle can no longer be charges and must run on gasoline. The vehicle was purchased with the intention of using the battery to go to and from work on a single charge. The vehicle can no longer be charged or parked in our garage due to potential fire risk.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Today I started my 2017 Mini Clubman and received a message about a transmission problem. The message showed a car icon and arrows at either end of the car pointed out. The message advised me to secure the car to prevent rolling. I confirmed that the parking brake was not inadvertently triggered and also confirmed that the parking brake is still functioning properly. The same message has appeared... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
The car is kept at a dealership in Savannah. The recall 251 caused the damage of the ABS. The dealership says it is not possible to fix, the manufacturer does not assume any responsiility
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was condensation accumulating in the rear taillights. The contact stated that the vehicle recently experienced electrical failures with the power window switch not raising or lowering the windows as needed. The contact stated that the radio and several other electrical gauges were inoperable. The contact stated that the 115-Volt Cargo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was condensation accumulating in the rear taillights. The contact stated that the vehicle recently experienced electrical failures with the power window switch not raising or lowering the windows as needed. The contact stated that the radio and several other electrical gauges were inoperable. The contact stated that the 115-Volt Cargo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms par... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
For the 2nd row passenger seat the clip has broken. You can not safely have a passenger in the seat. I have been trying for over a year to get the part. I was told by the last person who looked at it that it is specific to the air bag seat belts in the second row. I also had a coworker who had the exact same part break. For the first 6 months I tried to get this resolved they were so far back... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Bought a new EV9 and experienced steering shaking/vibrating heavily on high way speeds. There is always a subtle vibration on speed around 70mph where the cup holders in the middle of front seats vibrates, the driver seat and steering vibrates and creates a unpleasant and disturbing driving experience which can lead to anything worse. There are so many other complains on the similar issue but the ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
I take my wife's Nissan Altima (2015) to dealer (Jackie Cooper, Tulsa) regularly and (in 2020) asked them why the headlights were so dim. Told me there was a class action suit ongoing and that we could fix it and wait for the settlement to submit receipts, or we could wait and that they would call when the suit was settled. Was never notified by dealership that we could bring it in to get replaced... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The sunroof broke while being opened which required immediate repair since it was propped open. The only fix according to the dealer was to replace the entire unit which cost more than $5k with parts and labor
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW i5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000. The VIN tool confirms that... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW i5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000. The VIN tool confirms that... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and hauling a travel trailer, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 35-40 MPH temporarily. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The check engine warning light was ill... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the vehicle lost motive power with the “Shift to Park” message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PCM software had failed and needed to be updated. The vehicle was repai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became persistent whenever the vehicle was started. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact had researched and related the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I went to BMW of Atlantic City to purchase a BMW X5 2024 in April 2024. We ordered the 2024 vehicle and when we went back to sign the papers were told we were getting the first of the 2025 production- purchased on [XXX]. The dealer did not disclose that the 2024 was recalled for the Integrated Brake Module when we made the deal. They knew at the time there was a recall but did not disclose t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
I was driving on the street with no one in front of me going about 45 miles per hour when the car did "Phantom Braking" and the car tried to stop on its own. It beeped 3 times and BRAKE! flashed on my dashboard as if I was going to hit someone and the car overtook my brakes and tried to stop. There was no one in front of me. The very next day, it did it again. This is extremely dangerous a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
my bolt was bought in 2018 (2018model) and has only a lil over 35k mileage. I was just informed by the dealer that the whole steering gear needs to be replaced as it could fail at any moment. I checked online for similar issues and seems like there are thousands of complaints of this, I was quoted for $3700 to get this repaired.. This is such a safety issue that it needs to be a recall, especia... Read more