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: Jun 1, 2024
The steering wheel locked up while I was driving. I was driving on a country road and the road didn't have any painted lane stripes and the car got a lane departure warning and the steering wheel pull me hard to the left, I almost got out of the road and on the way of a incoming vehicle, I break and pulled hard to the right and managed to pull to the side. When I got into a complete stop I checked... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I emailed BMW of Arlington on [XXX] detailing the critical safety issue I experienced with my BMW X3 2012 on Sunday [XXX]. I was driving on the tollway northbound from [XXX] in Grand Prairie in the pouring rain with my wipers on, and the car suddenly started braking and decelerating from the 70 mph cruising speed to 40 mph in seconds. The car behind me nearly hit my vehicle, and since it kept doin... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
A little history, my Cadenza was placed at KIA of Bradley [XXX] 2024, I complained of oil burning, the oil sending unit light staying on and the engine dying. The Kia rep found “THE OIL PRESSURE SENDER INTERNALLY FAULTED, LEAKING OIL INTERNALLY – OIL LEAKING DOWN TO PIGTAIL HARNESS”. The Oil pressure switch and wiring harness lead were replaced. Here lies the problem. During my visit in Fe... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
All of the lights come on periodically (lane departure can’t be used, it says braking system error, it says braking system could be decreased and says to have car serviced) I’ve taken it to the dealership once and they could not replicate it and said it could be a sensor but wasn’t sure I paid for a inspection because they didn’t know. Searching things now there are a ton of forums with th... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Engine was replaced 97218 miles - under warranty - now the second engine needs to be replaced with 106607 miles - there is a limited warranty of 20 years /200000 miles - isn't the second engine still under warranty two engines and both have been under 200000 miles isn't the second engine covered under the warranty??
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
When i have a passenger in the car I will intermittantly get the warning "Passenger restraint system malfunction" which will turn off the air bag to the passenger side when driving even when there is a passenger in the car. From forums it sounds like there is a pressure pad in the seat that is a very common malfunction for BMW. This seems like a pretty critical part to ensure the airbags are opera... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The primary central LCD display that controls charging the batteries, displays speed information on smaller and management of how the EV works is no longer working. This LCD panel is the only way to set, monitor, modify, control all functions of this car. I have been unable to get Fisker to fix this problem. I will call them and wait 4 to 5 hours on the phone and my call will always be droppe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The primary central LCD display that controls charging the batteries, displays speed information on smaller and management of how the EV works is no longer working. This LCD panel is the only way to set, monitor, modify, control all functions of this car. I have been unable to get Fisker to fix this problem. I will call them and wait 4 to 5 hours on the phone and my call will always be droppe... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
1. Frame flex caused damage behind the pin box and under the drivers side bedroom slide schwinteck system. The slide motors came derailed causing the slide to become non-secured. There was a possibility of the slide opening while the Rv was being pulled on the road. Frame components required factory technician to weld supports under the slide and behind the pin box. 2. Two days after frame repair... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Losing coolant in the engine. No apparent leaks on ground or around engine. Rough running when first started but smoothed out after a few miles. Engine overheats if close watch isn't done on the coolant reservoir. I am worried the engine may catch fire if it gets too hot. Taken to mechanic who could not repair. Codes found P 3002 & P1299.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
Didn’t brake when car accident happened from front also seat belts don’t hold on braking in drivers side
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The alternator ceased up on me while I was driving on 7/12/2019. This almost caused an accident! I was driving around 55MPH and the steering and brakes completely locked up. I couldn't turn the wheel or stop my car. Eventually I slowed down and barely got the steering wheel to turn so I wasn't stuck right on the highway. My car was towed to a mechanic that replaced the alternator. I later received... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The engine has a coolant leak and has made my car not properly functional. Have taken it in multiple time for repairs same issue would happen now they won't fix it because of a specific code is not reading but exactly what's going on they won't fix because it's over the milage coverage confidently.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
On the afternoon of May 26, 2024, I received a warning "Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon". I pulled to the side of the road but was still in an active traffic lane in a traffic circle and cars had to stop and/or swerve to avoid hitting my car. If this had been at night my safety would have been even more greatly compromised. The engine promptly shut off and would not restart. I was towed t... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
Vehicle's charging port appears to be overheating to the point that thermal throttling is occurring when attempting to charge. This issue first occurred in mid-May of 2024. Vehicle charged as normal before then. Vehicle was serviced by dealership for this issue on 05/29/2024. A software update was applied that did not solve the problem. In an attempt to find updates on this problem, I contacte... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the brakes were unintendedly activated. Additionally, the contact observed an orange warning light which stated “Brakes” illuminated and then went off. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice however, the dealer was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The existing white paint issue that is noted in the following warranty extension bulletin needs to be applied to the 2019 model year which has an identical issue. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 29, 2024
As I was driving my steering intermittently became stiff, then steered fine until I was able to get home. Next morning to leave for work the steering wheel and exclamation mark were flashing on my dash and no power steering and unable to drive my truck. After work I checked the electronic power steering fuses (good), electrical connectors to the electric rack and pinion (good), disconnected vehi... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Acura ILX. 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 contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start intermittently. The contact stated that sev... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
I have a 2021 with 25000 miles and a 2023 with 6000 miles which make noise when in reverse. The dealer has stated the rear brake pads likely need replacement and rotors as well. It seems questionable that two exact models two years apart and 20000 miles apart are encountering the same issue.
Incident date: May 16, 2024
I have this model 2023 with about 6000 miles which makes a noise when in reverse. I have the same model year 2021 which has 25000 miles. The dealer states the brakes and rotors may have issues on the 25000 . If this occurs on a same model type two years apart and 19000 mile difference this is questionable. I have also had failure on the I drive system for frontal crash warning on 2023 not repaired... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2024
I have this model 2023 with about 6000 miles which makes a noise when in reverse. I have the same model year 2021 which has 25000 miles. The dealer states the brakes and rotors may have issues on the 25000 . If this occurs on a same model type two years apart and 19000 mile difference this is questionable. I have also had failure on the I drive system for frontal crash warning on 2023 not repaired... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2024
When traveling out of town on the interstate approximately 70/75mph. Part of our hood/trimming deluged scraping our hood and nearly Colliding with two other vehicles. Not something that is common and seems to me a manufacture defect that GM is trying to wipe their hands of and I will not stand for that. I have been trying for about a month to get GM to repair this odd phenomenon. However they c... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and hitting concrete, the lower front bumper cover mounting tabs detached and created holes on the lower front bumper. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the parts were ordered; however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle because they were not an auto body shop. The vehicle was then taken to an indepen... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
Passenger restraint system malfunction. I took it to the dealership and was told it will cost $3785.91 to replace the passenger seat mat. Looking online, this problem appears to be widespread with many individual car owners complaining of the issue. Given that this is a life safety system and its apparent prevalence, it seems appropriate to consider this for a mandatory recall.
Incident date: May 29, 2024
Passenger side slider door has needed 3 repairs in the 4 years we’ve owned the van. Slider has given us trouble, brackets have broken and needed to be replaced. Weather stripping has dry rotten and needed replacing. The entire door rattles as we drive and we have 2 young children that side in the passenger seats close to the shaking door. We’ve spent hundreds repairing the door and now ford cl... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
"Engine maintenance required" warning light came on and unable to bypass at all, leaving driver unable to read odometer or speedometer while driving. Had to go to the dealership 2 days in a row before they finally addressed the warning. Service staff informed this is indicating the coolant bypass valve is damaged or has failed. Also informed that this is a very common issue regardless of location,... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
1) A panel on the roof of my vehicle fully detached as it was not appropriately secured in place by the manufacturer (Mercedes Benz). The part is not available for inspection as it flew off of my vehicle on the highway, but I have pictures available. 2) The panel flew off my vehicle at high speed and increased the risk of a crash or injury for other drivers. 3) I have confirmed with my local M... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
While driving on the interstate, the sunroof exploded. There was no warning, no objects seen that could have hit it, good weather. The glass from the sunroof hit the car behind me and cracked their windshield. Thankfully our sun shade was closed so no shattered glass came into the car and no one was hurt.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
the front frame of my rv is broken in the pin box area
Incident date: May 22, 2024
Four Check Engine lights and a Drivetrain Malfunction related to the high voltage hybrid system including problems with the battery cooling, continuing to charge instead of stopping at 100%, and high voltage faults. Coolant smell in the ventilation system in the cabin as well as hot electrical smell after charging and from the regenerative system on a long descent in the mountains. Has been happen... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
I took my car into the dealer to ask a question. Upon arriving I tried to open the drivers door after I turned the ignition off to exit the car and the drivers door would not open. The service man tried to open it from the outside with the same results. Finally it opened. It had done this before but I always forgot to tell them when I was at the dealership. The passenger door had done the same thi... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
Door latch sensor doesn’t recognize that the drivers door is shut most of the time. This causes the dome light to remain on and makes it almost impossible to see to back up at night especially with the malfunction of the backup camera. Nothing has happened but as this is apparently a common problem with these cars I am super concerned that it could cause an accident or for someone or something t... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
My vehicle malfunctioned last week because of the fault harness. Vehicle had a slight fire and now is not drivable. BMW does not want to comply.
Fire
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the electric power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the electric power steering rack and gear. The vehicle was not repaired. After inve... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The recall 251 has gone unaddressed since September 2023. I am receiving notices from dealerships and carfax to repair the open recall. How long does Hyundai have to correct this issue
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
Audio intermittently goes out. This includes radio sound, OnStar blinker indication sound, audible safety warnings and pedestrian alerts.
Incident date: May 27, 2024
Gas leaking from above gas tank took car in for service 5/6/24. they could not duplicate issue on 5/24 engine light comes on. On 5/26/24 code indicated fuel pump issue. Several months before all of this, I would notice a strong gas smell after driving
Incident date: May 27, 2024
the taillight, blinker and reverse light all went out and when I pulled the components out To check to see if the bulbs are burnt all of the bulbs are perfectly fine, but the aluminum pieces were sparking, and the whole component will not work
Incident date: May 26, 2024
Driving down a street when the Jeep shut down all propulsion systems and sent an error code that the charging system would not work. We moved safely to the side of the road, restarted the Jeep, and drove home with no error lights. The next day, the Jeep threw error codes again upon startup. We took to the dealer who is analyzing.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Electrical glitches happen at both, low speeds and while on the roadway. My steering wheel tightens up and I get a message on the dashboard “Stabilitrak” and another one “assisted steering reduced, drive with care”. My vehicle even shut off on me after pulling in to a parking space after turning steering wheel completely to one side
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The advanced headrest deployed on the passenger side without cause. I was getting into the drivers side. It was in our driveway.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to shudder. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message to see the dealer was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the low-pressure fuel pump and a high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repair... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the contact stated that the warning light was due to a failed O2 sensor. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
Car automatically stopped abruptly when a car in oncoming traffic turned a safe distance ahead of me. I was in the process of slowing down and was in no danger of being too close to the car in front of me. Nearly got rear ended.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
it all started with the Battery and Powertrain and lound Loud niose from under my vehicle and my rear tail light code default. service forgetting to put the clamps back on i took the vehicle back from service and drove over 200 miles when the code for the above mention malfuntion appeared again they admitted the negilence of the service team...from that point on they my car was in and out of servi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
This car brakes on its own . I reported it to Honda since I have had it have been dealing with the issue it brakes on its own I filled out a form with you guys after reading about “Ghost Braking” so I am not alone this car is dangerous it has been serviced multiple times Honda Corp is aware requested a buy back. Wondering where you guys are in your investigation I have pictures the sensors are... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
This car brakes on its own . I reported it to Honda since I have had it have been dealing with the issue it brakes on its own I filled out a form with you guys after reading about “Ghost Braking” so I am not alone this car is dangerous it has been serviced multiple times Honda Corp is aware requested a buy back. Wondering where you guys are in your investigation I have pictures the sensors are... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
I was driving at around 11 a.m. on a city road at about 30 miles per hour when front passenger tire suddenly popped and car began to swerve almost colliding with vehicle in adjacent lane. The TPMS alert showed up on dashboard after the tire popped. There were no potholes or any objects that the car hit. The car along with tires had been inspected during routine maintenance at the dealer five days ... Read more