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: Mar 5, 2026
On May 25, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Central Time, after the vehicle had been operated under normal conditions and subsequently parked, a fire originated within the vehicle’s engine compartment and/or under-hood area. Personnel from the Milwaukee Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. An official fire investigation report is pending and is expected to be availa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
On May 25, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Central Time, after the vehicle had been operated under normal conditions and subsequently parked, a fire originated within the vehicle’s engine compartment and/or under-hood area. Personnel from the Milwaukee Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. An official fire investigation report is pending and is expected to be availa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Tow hitch cracked and separated
Incident date: May 25, 2026
The contact owns a The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V189000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 i... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
My steering wheel sticks especially in highway driving. The steering wheel feels as if it momentarily "locks" or "sticks" in the center position while driving at highway speeds. When I try to correct it, the wheel snaps free, often causing the vehicle to jerk or overcorrect. This is a big safety concern. There is a recall, but my model year of 2021 is not included in the recall. This has been ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that they discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 193,073. The contact began having unknown issues with the vehicle and obtained a Carfax report. The report indicated the vehicle was due for an oil change. The report indic... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
The vehicle's power steering does not work properly, especially at slow speeds and when attempting to back up. However, it has also failed while traveling on the interstate highway at high speeds. When you attempt to make a turn, the power steering feels like it is fighting you and wants to pull the vehicle back in the opposite direction. I took the vehicle in to be serviced, and they replaced ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Fuel injector failure in exact manner described in TSB 21-010 and code P219A. The Emissions error is exactly matching TSB 21-010. Honda states that the VIN number is outside of scope and is requesting an out of pocket repair. According to many online complaints, the VIN numbers need to be expanded.
Incident date: May 18, 2026
I own a 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i with the B58 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine. While driving in Minnesota, the vehicle suddenly displayed an urgent warning stating “oil pressure too low” and instructed me to stop the engine. This occurred while the vehicle was being operated on the road, requiring me to stop driving immediately. The vehicle was later inspected by an authorized BMW dealer. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
I own a 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i with the B58 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine. While driving in Minnesota, the vehicle suddenly displayed an urgent warning stating “oil pressure too low” and instructed me to stop the engine. This occurred while the vehicle was being operated on the road, requiring me to stop driving immediately. The vehicle was later inspected by an authorized BMW dealer. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
I own a 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i with the B58 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine. While driving in Minnesota, the vehicle suddenly displayed an urgent warning stating “oil pressure too low” and instructed me to stop the engine. This occurred while the vehicle was being operated on the road, requiring me to stop driving immediately. The vehicle was later inspected by an authorized BMW dealer. Th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The rear seat belt is stuck. The vehicle was only 3 months old when it was noticed. Originally, I thought the constant beeping about the rear seat belts was due to this error, but it is 2 separate issues.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Coolant leaking into go engine. Causing erosion. Only 40,000 miles and been without car for 3 months now. Upon research this is a known issue. Confused why it wasn’t recalled with the number of people who appear to have been impacted.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The Automated Emergency Brakes did not activate. This car hit the next car on the street. I was driving when I noticed the brake lights on the car in front of me, so I applied the brakes. Though it did not work, as this car is equipped with the Automated Emergency Brakes feature, it was expected that the car would activate the feature to stop to avoid impact and an accident. Which did not happen, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Gas leaking from the hood. High pressure fuel pump
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The HCU ABS is malfunctioning causing the cruise control to not work along with anti lock brake functions. This could cause a brake malfunction leading to a crash. We have received the recall notice, C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 over a year ago. We have contacted the local dealer several times during that year, including May 21, 2026. No effort has been made by the dealer to change the defective part and we ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Sometimes my backup camera will not show a screen. I have considerable amount of trouble trying to connect my phone to the car. Hands down can I use the GPS on the car. Lights do not come on my dashboard. The RPM bounces up and down from starting it all the way to the while you're driving. The car does not want to stay started it does not like to go it does not hands down not like sitting still.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Sometimes my backup camera will not show a screen. I have considerable amount of trouble trying to connect my phone to the car. Hands down can I use the GPS on the car. Lights do not come on my dashboard. The RPM bounces up and down from starting it all the way to the while you're driving. The car does not want to stay started it does not like to go it does not hands down not like sitting still.... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
changed from outside lane to inside lane, when I tried to turn right to stay in the middle lane the steering wheel locked sending me into the left hand turn lane and then into a car that was in the next lane, hitting their left rear tire. I told the insurance adjuster about the issue, he told me they would have the car checked, but I don't think he or my insurance company had the car issue inspect... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 21, 2026
changed from outside lane to inside lane, when I tried to turn right to stay in the middle lane the steering wheel locked sending me into the left hand turn lane and then into a car that was in the next lane, hitting their left rear tire. I told the insurance adjuster about the issue, he told me they would have the car checked, but I don't think he or my insurance company had the car issue inspect... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
On may 20 2026 car died out multiple times when driving but would start back up. Today may 21 2026 car was lacking power and engine making noise while driving. Then the check engine light came on also the oil light flashed then turned off. Checked the code it said p00114. Then checked oil it was about 1 1/2 quart low after we did complete oil change a month ago. I then found this engine has the sa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Hyundai has failed to provide replacement of recalled seatbelts in a timely manner. The dealership has been unable to provide the replacement parts due to back order and lack of supplies from Hyundai and this is unacceptable. Hyundai has repeatedly shown poor quality in their safety, testing, and products and the consumer is the one taking the fall with death traps for vehicles. This vehicle has h... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The vehicle was brought to an authorized GM dealership for a scheduled appointment to address a check engine condition related to a purge valve and an open safety recall for the lower control arm. The VIN was provided and confirmed at the time the appointment was made; however, the recall was not completed during the visit. The dealership replaced the purge valve without documenting diagnostic te... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Rear wiper works intermittently
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle did not stop at a stop sign and crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. All of the air bags deployed. The contact's boyfriend suffered bruising to the wrist and left upper arm and redness on the right hand. The front passenger-side curtain air bag caused the conta... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000(BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was ma... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the brake pedal became inoperable and felt spongy while attempting to stop the vehicle. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to operate, and a crunching sound was heard while turning the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that multiple incorrect warning messages illuminat... Read more
BMW
I4 XDRIVE40
(2025) - ENGINE
May 21, 2026
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Made several stops and on the last one when I went to start the vehicle it wouldn't start. Used jump pack and it started. Had a non-flashing check engine light and a service ESC light. Decided to drive across town to auto store and have them check battery and replace if bad, When I pulled into the auto store parking lot the truck died and wheels locked up. (Very sudden stop) All four gear selector... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Premature engine fail. Excessive oil consumption due to piston ring failure. Maintenance has been done on car on regular basis. No check engine light. Carson was services at dealership 4 months ago.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
I had been driving my truck for multiple days, after a knocking sound suddenly started from under the hood. It was evident at any speed that wasn't idle. There were no check engine lights displayed on the dash. The sound was annoying enough that I took it in. According to the dealer technician, the transmission pump "completely detached" and was "rolling around inside the transmission." They found... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Engine Malfunction light is on and off while at a stop light.
Incident date: May 16, 2026
While driving to dinner in Bluefield< West Virginia on Saturday evening, I came to an intersection where I was making a left hand turn with a green arrow on the light. As I approached the intersection, I slowed to something under 10 miles an hour and proceeded to initiate a left hand turn. As I rolled onto the throttle, there was no response from the engine for approximately 15 seconds. The eng... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
2nd time ac system stoppped working with 6000. Miles on it after 3rd time same problem it will be under lemon law
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Toyota issued a recall (NHTSA 25V322) over a year ago. We are now more than a year beyond the issuance date of this recall and Stop Sale order for affected vehicles. There is still no remedy available for this recall and from what I can tell, none in sight. Additionally, on 11/6/25, Toyota issued a recall (NHTSA 25V767) related to potential engine failure. Over 6 months after this recall and S... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Toyota issued a recall (NHTSA 25V322) over a year ago. We are now more than a year beyond the issuance date of this recall and Stop Sale order for affected vehicles. There is still no remedy available for this recall and from what I can tell, none in sight. Additionally, on 11/6/25, Toyota issued a recall (NHTSA 25V767) related to potential engine failure. Over 6 months after this recall and S... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Owner was driving at highway speeds and the vehicle experienced multiple sudden stops. After consulting with the GMC certified repair facility, the control valve body of the transmission was determined to be faulty and replaced. As a result of the sudden stop at highway speeds, the owner experienced a torn rotator cuff and could have been involved in a serious motor vehicle crash.
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Car lost power while in motion at 60mph, no warning lights or notifications on ford pass. After pulling off road car would only crank but never start. Fluids were leaking from undercarriage near transmission, but unsure what fluid it was.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
When driving under windy conditions and/or at highway speeds (55mph+), the side mirror vibrate excessively. This causes blurring and obscuring of images in the mirror, sometimes to the point where you cannot see anything clearly. This thankfully has not cause any accidents for me, but I have heard many other owners have the same problem. I have heard owners claim Subaru is aware of this problem an... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Air conditioning not working. 3 years 15,000 miles.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
I was driving in the left lane on [XXX] , a 4 lane interstate just outside of Cleveland when i lost engine propulsion. Engine RPMs dropped to under 1000rpm, and quit responding to throttle. I had to change lanes and coast until there was a shoulder available to stall out at while i awaited a tow. No warning lamps until i tried to restart vehicle. Engine cranked but wouldnt start. INFORMATIO... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
While driving the vehicle on a public roadway at approximately 70mph, the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic powertrain failure without timely warning. The check engine light illuminated, the physical engine oil pressure gauge dropped to absolute zero, and the dashboard immediately flashed a critical "Hybrid System Malfunction" warning. > This mechanical and electrical failure triggered an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal sound was heard coming from the vehicle with the powertrain and clutch warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The glass piece that sits between the front windshield and the sunroof cracked from side to side of the car. When I called the dealership to get it repaired they said this has happened to a few models with this same type of glass between the windshield and the sunroof.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I am experiencing a severe safety hazard with my 2018 F-150's 10R80 transmission. While accelerating, the transmission unexpectedly drops into neutral during the 2nd-to-3rd gear shift. The engine revs to the redline, then violently slams into gear, causing the truck to jerk forward unpredictably. This creates a terrifying, uncontrollable moment in traffic. A mechanic diagnosed the issue and stated... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel exhibits a noticeable "sticky" sensation and momentary mechanical binding when making minor steering adjustments, specifically when turning between the 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock positions. This occurs with the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) completely turned off. The binding is a serious safety hazard because it requires a sudden increase in ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The Coolant Bypass Valve on my vehicle failed, leading to a risk of sudden engine overheating and potential coolant leaks into the electrical harness. This is a documented defect (CSP 23TE03) that Toyota has failed to address for vehicles over 100,000 miles, creating a safety hazard for high-mileage owners. This is a major concern on a known issue and those that don't have funds to pay for this kn... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle depressing the brake pedal, heard a clunking noise and on for second the vehicle attempts to move while in park. The contact mention he could hear clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken a dealer to be diagnosed, however the diagnoses was unknown.... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
I am writing to formally express my concern and frustration regarding the unresolved recall on my vehicle. It has now been over a year since the recall was issued, and my point of purchase dealer still has not received the necessary parts to complete the repair. This extended delay has moved beyond inconvenience and has become a genuine safety issue. I rely on my vehicle daily, and continuing to d... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
Truck unexpectedly downshifts into first gear and refuses to leave first. Wrench icon appears, speedometer and odometer stop working, truck enters "limp mode". OEM reading DTCs P0720, P0722.