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: Mar 2, 2022
Car passenger headrest is deployed and cylinder 6 is misfiring as described under the recall description from the previous years vehicles recalls.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
My power steering went out so my mechanic checked it out and said my pump went out so I bought a new power steering pump and pulley had it put on and that didn't fix the problem. The next day I went out of town to visit family and my car caught on fire due to the power steering fluid leaked all out on the motor and got hot enough to catch on fire. then my ignition stoped going all the way in park ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
My power steering went out so my mechanic checked it out and said my pump went out so I bought a new power steering pump and pulley had it put on and that didn't fix the problem. The next day I went out of town to visit family and my car caught on fire due to the power steering fluid leaked all out on the motor and got hot enough to catch on fire. then my ignition stoped going all the way in park ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
After recall done pvc valve and blower heat a/c now not working the car engine light come up abs /brake and more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
When I pushed the start button on my 900 mile F150 limited that I only had 6 months, I heard a very very loud noise that sounded like a bomb going off in the truck. After I gathered myself and verified nobody damaged my truck or windows and with my ears still ringing, I heard very loud static noise coming from all the speakers. I thought the loud noise that came through the speakers actually blew ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
While driving vehicle on the freeway there is a sudden lots of power. Excited freeway and tried driving slowly on streets. Check engine light came on. Vehicle knocks and losses power during acceleration and while driving at speed. Problem diagnosed as bad knock sensor. Had knock sensor replaced in November, 22. Two days ago exact same problem. Mechanic believes that it's engine malfunction. How'... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
Power Steering Gear , no had it fixed at ford diagnostic code P07AE . Was driving on the freeway power steering went out and car jerked wheel all the way to right almost hit guardrail with 5 yr old daughter in car. Yes . yes. No.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Good morning this is my ford focus car VIN 1FADP3K2XHL247975 i am in Iraq I checked my car recalls and it has one reacall, But when i went to the ford dealer named Alkasid in iraq locayed in Erbil it says we won't fix it because your car warranty cancelled and what i know is that even after warranty the recall is is still available.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Good morning this is my ford focus car VIN 1FADP3K2XHL247975 i am in Iraq I checked my car recalls and it has one reacall, But when i went to the ford dealer named Alkasid in iraq locayed in Erbil it says we won't fix it because your car warranty cancelled and what i know is that even after warranty the recall is is still available.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
There is a coolant leak into my engine cylinders that has completely ruined my engine. They told me they’re surprised my engine hasn’t caught fire. They refuse to cover it even though the issue falls under TSB 22-2229 but they say the VIN doesn’t. There’s many lawsuits against them because it’s an issue with the Ford engine 2.0-liter turbo-four ecoboost engine. It’s happen to many peop... Read more
BMW
X5
(2013) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:HOSES/VALVES/SENSORS
Jan 20, 2023
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test was performed and produced codes: P1450, P0456 indicating (ECM fault) however, the contact stated that the purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Unknown more than likely broken crankshaft.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle exhibited a slight hesitation with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced a death wobble. The front-end of the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably. The contact pulled over and regained control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
The vehicle frequently applies emergency braking when approaching overpasses at night while driving on highways at night at normal speeds. This happens about once per 100 miles or so.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
"Service Electronic Braking System" intermittently flashes in the dashboard, along with the orange ABS and traction control lights. Seems to happen more on bumpy roads, goes away on smoother roads, then randomly comes back. Over the span of a few weeks, the frequency of the error message has increased, and now the error lights stay on almost all the time. 47,500 miles and purchased new 3 years ago... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
I was driving and all the sudden an insanely loud sharp BEEP noise started and would not stop. It was coming from the speakers. I could not get it to stop. It was so loud I have lost hearing in my left ear. I had to exit the truck and disconnect the battery. Others are having this issue and Ford has no recall.
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
I was driving and all the sudden an insanely loud sharp BEEP noise started and would not stop. It was coming from the speakers. I could not get it to stop. It was so loud I have lost hearing in my left ear. I had to exit the truck and disconnect the battery. Others are having this issue and Ford has no recall.
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
Error code states please engage parking brake while car is in park to avoid rolling. Apparently this is a common problem with a faulty spring in the shift gear. BMW should do a recall as this is a very expensive repair and a common issue and is a safety problem.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
Issue with brakes - the vehicle has been at the dealership 4 times with no resolution to the noise coming from rear brakes and now the brakes seem to lock up at a stop and release suddenly creating a safety issue for my family and the motoring public. After the last attempt the noise is a lot worse then it was prior to the repairs recommended by Ford's TSB
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
Brakes temporarily fail at low speed when regenative brakes switch to hydraulic brakes.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
My 2017 Hyundai Elantra that I got in 2020, has been shaking at Idle for 3 years now off and on. I even got it serviced at Hyundai in Tyler Tx under warranty. I was told it’s the coil packs. I was driving to work yesterday and the Engine light was flashing at me, and my car was shaking and knocking extremely bad. I had to turn around and miss work due to this issue. Although, when I go to neares... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
I had over 40 Complaints with NHTSA. FUEL LEAK - vehicle can go on fire,fumes intoxicating in vehicle through vents..Every mechanic," VEHICLE CAN GO ON FIRE." 2.Electrical- All gages would go crazy while driving - had no idea what speed I was going. 3.3X All Brake fluid leaked out while driving - no brakes 4.FAILED INSPECTION REPEATEDLY - ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS ON AND AIRBAG LIGHT 5. LARGE EVAP Leak... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2019
On Oct 29, 2012, BMW recalled its 7-Series luxury cars due to reports of transmission control problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in the NHTSA campaign #12V502000 (power train and electric system) has caused at least 14 crashes and possibly 5 injuries, and in the NHTSA campaign #13V564000 (air bags). The recall involved 45,500 cars with model years from 2005 to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2019
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was confirmed that no cause of failure was found. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2019
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was confirmed that no cause of failure was found. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Fuel system - vehicle surged (high RPMS) while gearshift lever was in the Drive position after release of pressure on the accelerator as I was parking the vehicle surged and smashed into a cement post, the vehicle traveled approximately 10 to 15 feet. The vehicle is currently at the dealership where an independent contractor, who is contracted by Toyota, will be doing a visual and diagnostic analy... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Left for work steering locked up with no warning luckily not at a bad part of my morning commute I was doing 55mph was able to come to safe stop tried steering wheel back and fourth after a few attempts it started to tun but was very hard to turn so I turned around and on my way back home numerous lights came on on dash hill assist unavailable terrain management system fault loss of steering and I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
Hybrid Maverick: The brakes grab so abruptly while coming to a stop. It will jerk your upper body forward. Sometimes the brakes won't grab until the very last second. It feels like the transition from Hybrid braking to mechanical braking is lethargic then grabs all of a sudden. In stop and go traffic there is a lack of confidence that the brakes will actually stop you in time. It literally hit or ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
ABS/VSC actuator pump failure and with the abs alarm on causing constant drain to the system needing jump every time or to disconnect 12v every time parked. Dealer diagnosed wrong last year stating 12v battery needed replacement. I did the $500. It did NOT fix the problem. Now dealer states actuator pump failure - replace/fix price approx $4,000. I asked for diagnostic readouts to prove to me tha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
Passenger airbag constantly coming on when there is a passenger, and when no one is on the passenger seat. Oil light has been flashing/ lighting up and going off. I told several service members about this problem, they all shrug it off. One said I could pay $150 for diagnostic test, but why should I pay when they know what’s going on with it? This seems to be a common issue with this vehicle, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
I was involved in a car accident where a truck pulled out in front of me causing me to hit him in his side with the front passenger side of my car resulting in the car to roll two times. As a result of the airbags not deploying the windshield came into the car causing lacerations to the face of the passenger and as the car was rolling his right arm was out of the window causing him to have to have... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 25, 2022
The motor locked and the car turned of completely.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
Bike has some fuel or engine issue. Surges frequently. Based on conversations with other owners, there may be an issues with faulty gas tank lining that erodes and causes issues with fuel delivery.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
I was driving with my family of five on I-15 in Utah County, UT, on 01-14-23 when the ability to accelerate was impacted. We noticed a strange noise from the engine compartment too. After about ten seconds of the strange noise and as I was attempting to cross four lanes of traffic to pull over, the car gave an oil pressure problem reading and shut off as we were in the process of coming to a compl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
Over the past 6-8 months, I have replaced the front passenger brake line two times and the front driver side brake line once. If needed, I have receipts showing I have purchased brake fluid and new brake lines on three separate occasions in recent months. I have pictures of the most recent brake line failure. On all three occasions the brake lines have split/burst, I’ve had no warning the b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2019
2019 BMW GT640I ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS HAS STOPPED ABRUPTLY. 1) ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING MY VEHICLE STOPPED AS IF I HIT SOMETHING CAR RESTARTED SECONDS LATER. 2) DRIVING DOWN THE STREET VEHICLE CONTROL PANEL STATED OBSTRUCTION BUT NOTHING WAS AROUND THE VEHICLE, VEHICLE STOPPED WOULD'NT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD HAD TO TURN VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART TWICE. 3) DRIVING MADE A LANE CHANGE AND VEHICL... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2019
My vehicle was having trouble starting so I scanned it and found out it might be part of a recall. I called Kia recall department and they confirmed that there was a safety recall for my engine and to make an appointment with the dealership. I called the Longmont Kia Fowler dealership in November but they refuse to service the recall for mr in a timely manner. They said it would take 2 months to e... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 19, 2019
My vehicle was having trouble starting so I scanned it and found out it might be part of a recall. I called Kia recall department and they confirmed that there was a safety recall for my engine and to make an appointment with the dealership. I called the Longmont Kia Fowler dealership in November but they refuse to service the recall for mr in a timely manner. They said it would take 2 months to e... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
Fuel pump failed with no notice while traveling on the interstate causing the engine to stop running. I was lucky that I was able to coast off the highway on to the shoulder. This occurred at night on a section of I-10 with a 75 MPH speed limit. If I had not been able to limp off the highway it would have been very dangerous. My Nissan Versa only has 75,000 miles and is well maintained. No w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
I have a BMW 430i Gran Coupe, there was a system coolant leak and now they are saying the entire system needs to be replaced because the plastic cracked and eroded from wear and tear. I began checking and found that over 1 million BMW vehicles were recalled for coolant system problems. My car seems it wasn't covered under the recall. I found a service bulletin which stated that certain BMW repa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
The torque convert creates a shudder when under light load between 35- 50mph. Initially it was happen sporadically and when it was initially noticed it was always on the same stretch of road which prompt me to think it was the road surface. Only after about a year of this did it appear to happen more often and at different areas. With more attentive driving I narrowed down the speed and conditi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
The torque convert creates a shudder when under light load between 35- 50mph. Initially it was happen sporadically and when it was initially noticed it was always on the same stretch of road which prompt me to think it was the road surface. Only after about a year of this did it appear to happen more often and at different areas. With more attentive driving I narrowed down the speed and conditi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2022
The left rear frame of the vehicle is rusted out where the rear drive line bolts to the body or frame. Causing the rear drive line to have the ability of failing to stay attached to the vehicle. The rear suspension also connects at the same area. Just a huge rotted out hole at the moment.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2022
The left rear frame of the vehicle is rusted out where the rear drive line bolts to the body or frame. Causing the rear drive line to have the ability of failing to stay attached to the vehicle. The rear suspension also connects at the same area. Just a huge rotted out hole at the moment.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
My engine is being effected by the recall. There is smoke and a burning smell coming from my engine. The Recall was issued March 2 2002 and today is January 11, 2022. My truck is driving worse daily and I can not get it inspected because it will not read my system.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
My Vehicle has been on Recall since March 2, 2022. There are increasing problems and an occasional smoke and burning smell. This is effecting me getting an inspection and registering my vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
My Vehicle has been on Recall since March 2, 2022. There are increasing problems and an occasional smoke and burning smell. This is effecting me getting an inspection and registering my vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
My Vehicle has been on Recall since March 2, 2022. There are increasing problems and an occasional smoke and burning smell. This is effecting me getting an inspection and registering my vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
Care has stalled literally 4 times going down the road causing all the dash warning signs to flicker on and off. We almost got hit from behind two different times with my kids in the car. Wouldn't start but was turning over.