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: Oct 25, 2025
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2004 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags); 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 contact was concerned about his safety because of the "Do Not Drive ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
“The vehicle experiences phantom braking while driving, where the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activates without warning even when there are no vehicles or objects in front of me. The vehicle suddenly brakes on its own, creating a major safety hazard and risk of rear-end collisions. The issue has happened multiple times during normal driving at different speeds. Warning lights rel... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
There has been an ongoing issue! Changed the sparks plugs, coils everything. The car will shake. It will be fine then the acceleration was slow, pressed the gas again then the check engine light will come on and blink. There has been many issues with this car. My engine is blown!
Incident date: May 11, 2026
There has been an ongoing issue! Changed the sparks plugs, coils everything. The car will shake. It will be fine then the acceleration was slow, pressed the gas again then the check engine light will come on and blink. There has been many issues with this car. My engine is blown!
Incident date: May 5, 2026
I am contacting you regarding my 2020 Chevy Blazer with approx $55,580 Miles. the vehicle is experiencing multiple issues consistent with the know thermostat problem reported on many 2020 Blazer, including the P0128 code, cooling fans running at high speed and "steering Assist Reduced" warnings. The Steering wheel has now become hard to turn while driving, creating a serious safety concern for me ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
My vehicle has abrupt unintended downshifts straight down to first gear at fast speeds, which is causing rear-wheel lockage near heart attack and near-loss of control spinout. The sudden downshifting causes a loud violent high extreme RPM engine over rev. sounding as if it is about to blow up or an internal explosion. This is occurring at highway speeds up to 70 mph. At these speeds, is an immedia... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
My vehicle has abrupt unintended downshifts straight down to first gear at fast speeds, which is causing rear-wheel lockage near heart attack and near-loss of control spinout. The sudden downshifting causes a loud violent high extreme RPM engine over rev. sounding as if it is about to blow up or an internal explosion. This is occurring at highway speeds up to 70 mph. At these speeds, is an immedia... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
My vehicle has abrupt unintended downshifts straight down to first gear at fast speeds, which is causing rear-wheel lockage near heart attack and near-loss of control spinout. The sudden downshifting causes a loud violent high extreme RPM engine over rev. sounding as if it is about to blow up or an internal explosion. This is occurring at highway speeds up to 70 mph. At these speeds, is an immedia... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Turned ignition off car computer read car not in park. All lights were on yellow ignition light on and door chime kept ringing. Started car moved car forward then backed up. Shut car off car still not working properly in park same problem. Moved shifter to park and bumped it a few times. Message went off. Tires make a grinder noise.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
I am getting an error concerning the antilock brakes on my truck. This error is random shows up every few days. When it does show up it dings every thirty seconds and does not stop, which is very distracting. Also shuts off the cruise control. It took a copy of the recall to my local dodge dealer and they will not fix it.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
The camera views are all pink or turning pink. Also when getting to 70mph on the interstate, the car begins to shudder. The vehicle has 52,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
The camera views are all pink or turning pink. Also when getting to 70mph on the interstate, the car begins to shudder. The vehicle has 52,000 miles on it.
BMW
R 1300 GS ADVENTURE
(2025) - VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
May 11, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, a loud explosion-like noise was heard. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear hatch windshield had unexpectedly shattered. An independent mechanic was contacted regarding replacement of the rear hatch windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contact... Read more
BMW
R 1300 GS ADVENTURE
(2025) - SEAT BELTS
May 11, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Brand new 2024 Honda Accord touring purchased on Oct.3, 2023. Started having issues with the braking system around June 18, 2024. I contacted Sons Honda where the car was purchased. Sons told me to contact American Honda. I contacted American Honda and we were in a back and forth conversation for 18 months. until they offered me $3000, which was not enough to start to fix the several other issues ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Coolant leak into engine block, ford dealership said $8,000 to replace engine cars only at 65k miles. Problem is from manufacturer defect in the 2.0l TT turbo engines in fusions and should be recalled as it’s not the owner/operators wrong doings.
Incident date: May 4, 2026
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited, 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6, ~102,000 miles. In December 2022, an authorized Hyundai dealer replaced three specific parts under a Hyundai recall/campaign (records requested). On Sunday [DATE] at approximately [TIME] PM, I was driving on [FREEWAY], [STATE], at 55–70 mph at night. With NO prior warning — no warning lights, no chimes, no loss of power buildup, no knocking... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited, 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6, ~102,000 miles. In December 2022, an authorized Hyundai dealer replaced three specific parts under a Hyundai recall/campaign (records requested). On Sunday [DATE] at approximately [TIME] PM, I was driving on [FREEWAY], [STATE], at 55–70 mph at night. With NO prior warning — no warning lights, no chimes, no loss of power buildup, no knocking... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The transmission system failed abruptly. I pulled away from a stoplight, had accelerated to 20-25 mph, and then the car came to a sudden stop, as if someone had put on an emergency brake. It continued to act as if the brake was on when I tried to go forward or reverse. I put it into neutral so that I could push it off the road. I realized it would drive slowly in neutral, so I drove it less than ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
My car has an issue officially diagnosed by a reputable mechanic that matches the claim of the former TSB SA-058/20 that was changed and clarified through the now existing TSB SA-031/21. My car has a cracked cylinder head. This is the non turbo engine but it does have cylinder deactivation which his believed to be a culprit. The cracking is known to be caused by a manufacturing defect. There i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The vehicle lost acceleration and the check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to Mercedes dealership. They quoted that the Camtronic actuator has failed and needs to be replaced. Cost $9000. I have now seen online a recall for 2021 mercedes s580's for CAMTRONIC actuator failure issue. However- my VIN is not included in the recall. Please advise what I should do.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate past approximately 35MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed as needing a battery, an unknown belt, and torque converter replac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 30-40 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The brake light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed and determined the failure was due to the brake pedal sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was called, but there was no response due to being closed. The failure mileage was ap... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The panoramic sunroof shade disconnected from the clips that holds it in place to allow it to be opened and closed. It is now rolled up in the car so the sunroof is always exposed and cannot be reconnected without a full replacement according to the dealership. It can impact visibility in bright sunlight.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
25V-636 This has been unresolved for 6 months with no sign of a fix. It’s a starter motor, not the space shuttle.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 10 MPH with no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle following the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure milea... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Within the last 7 days, my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD began displaying active alerts for two separate safety system failures: (1) alert code UI_a020 / GTW_w075 — Steering Assist Reduced, stating steering may require increased effort, and (2) alert code RCM_a056 — Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Issue, requiring service. The steering alert appeared intermittently, firing at consi... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Within the last 7 days, my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD began displaying active alerts for two separate safety system failures: (1) alert code UI_a020 / GTW_w075 — Steering Assist Reduced, stating steering may require increased effort, and (2) alert code RCM_a056 — Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Issue, requiring service. The steering alert appeared intermittently, firing at consi... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated, rendering the 4WD inoperable. The vehicle automatically switched to the Rear Wheel Drive mode. The vehicle was taken to both an independent mechanic and the dealer, who determined that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced, but the part was on backorder. ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
I traded my 2001 F250 for this yard art with intentions pf pulling our fifth wheel all over the country. It has sat un-usable for two years. I would happily pay for the parts if they were available. They are not at least that is what the dealer keeps telling me. Milton Ruben in Augusta. The recall is about two years old now and nothing is happening. I can't sell it, I can't trade it,, This is comp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Engine is burning a tremendous amount of motor oil. Dealer does acknowledge engine is burning oil. No warning lights on. Told burning motor oil is normal for a hyundai engine. Engine can seize during driving with no warning and is a safety issue. Front struts are also failing. No warning and is a safety issue: Currently trying to get dealer to cover defective components under warranty. Nothing has... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained on, despite no accident occurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who could not determine the failure and advised the contact to visit the dealer. At the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed passenger air bag inflat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
The vehicle experienced a failure involving the automatic transmission gear shift cable (recall AOC 2013–2016). The gear selector indicated the vehicle was in “Park,” but the transmission was not fully engaged in Park due to the defective shift cable/bushing. This created a significant safety risk, as the vehicle was capable of rolling unexpectedly after being placed in Park. This condition... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The break light came on. The local garage says I need a new master cylinder, and the dealer I purchesed the car from will not verify an extended warantee item or silent recall. This master cylinder part is all over the the internet as defective on multiple years.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
This car burns through gas at an unbelievable rate. I have read that this is a common problem and Hyundai needs to address the problem - and REPAIR it - for all affected owners. I have about 75,000 miles and the problem has been ongoing for over a year. I have to add oil every week and if I forget, it is all burned up within 2 weeks.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. The "check the battery" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approx... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
1)Brakes were changed, rotors and pads. Brakes were bled 3 times and it still does not stop correctly. Even when the brakaes are on, it releases itself. 2)Truck keeps shuddering and loosing power. 3Electronics will not stay bluetoothed and it connects and disconnects all by itself all the time. Appears there are recalls on these 3 issues.
Incident date: May 4, 2026
1)Brakes were changed, rotors and pads. Brakes were bled 3 times and it still does not stop correctly. Even when the brakaes are on, it releases itself. 2)Truck keeps shuddering and loosing power. 3Electronics will not stay bluetoothed and it connects and disconnects all by itself all the time. Appears there are recalls on these 3 issues.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled, the brakes were inoperative, the gear shift was stuck in drive, and all of the doors and windows were locked and inoperative. The check engine warning light was illuminated and the "please restart the engine" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was take... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled, the brakes were inoperative, the gear shift was stuck in drive, and all of the doors and windows were locked and inoperative. The check engine warning light was illuminated and the "please restart the engine" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was take... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
The motor of the wiper stop working.
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a strong and unusual odor was detected inside the vehicle with no warning lights illuminated. The contact further stated that the following day, upon entering the vehicle, both the contact and the contact’s spouse experienced headaches, nausea, and cognitive discomfort. Concerned about possible e... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a strong and unusual odor was detected inside the vehicle with no warning lights illuminated. The contact further stated that the following day, upon entering the vehicle, both the contact and the contact’s spouse experienced headaches, nausea, and cognitive discomfort. Concerned about possible e... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
Steering assist reduced drive with care display, air conditioning turned off, stop and start disabled, temperature monitor at cold, fan blows hard Why my 2020 model was not covered under the special coverage N252508350 NHTSA ID# 11024390
Incident date: May 1, 2026
My husband was sitting at a stop light when he noticed what appeared to be steam/smoke coming out from under the hood of the Bronco. Then smoke came into the vehicle through the air vents. When he looked up, flames were coming out from under the hood. He got out and the whole front of the car burst into flames and torched the car.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The control arm bearing appears to have failed without warning causing loss of steering control. This occurred at low speed on a street in [XXX] last night near a gas station, so the driver was able to drive to a safe location easily without risk to life. Had the failure happened at speed a possibly fatal collision would have been likely. The vehicle has been used for the past 8 months to drive t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
The second row seat is moving or reclining while I’m driving. The car seat motor has a sound while it reclines.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
The transmission had a recall 2 years ago and they gave me a new one (KIA). I am having issues with my transmission again
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
I own three 2016 Tesla vehicles with the same known safety defect: two Model S P100D and one Model X P100D, all equipped with the Large Drive Unit (LDU). The component that fails is the rotor coolant seal in the rear drive unit motor. Coolant leaks internally into the motor and inverter, causing bearing wear, corrosion, isolation faults, and eventual complete drive unit failure. The affected drive... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
While driving on frewway in HOV lane next to tall concrete center barrier, side collision mitigation system suddenly began to aggressively and continuously jerk steering right and left. After about 10-20 seconds this caused loss of control, with vehicle turning around 180 degrees and, during the spin, impacting the center concrete wall, causing deployment of all airbags. Traffic was very heavy, an... Read more
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