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: Sep 23, 2025
Urgent fire risk when parked recall as of September 23, 2025 and received this safeyy recall letter in November 2025 along with 'remedy is unavailable.' Called local BMW dealership today and no remedy and no clue as to when will be available. Urgent fire risk safety recall that is 4 months without a remedy?! Is this acceptable? And no communication or updates available is very frustrating for ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
When the vehicle was shifted from park to drive, the vehicle went neutral and began to roll back. Immediately there was a transmission error and warning light illumination. The vehicle was put in park and a shift to drive was attempted again. The car again rolled backwards. The vehicle was turned off and after 30 seconds restarted with warning lights still on the vehicle was shifted to drive,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The car is displaying "Right front marker light defective". This lessens the visibility when turning. This problem is a VIN specific recall of the 2017 Q7 and my VIN is not included, even though I am experiencing the exact same problem as the recall on the other VINs from the same year.
BMW
I4 XDRIVE40
(2025) — ENGINE
Jan 22, 2026
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
September 2025; the fuel control module failed at 75 mph in the left lane of I-45 requiring me to pull over on the shoulder in heavy traffic. I eas towed to my dealership 170 miles. At that time the recall test was performed on my 6.2 L L87 engine and passed inspection. The oil was upgraded at that time. Jan. 3, 2026 at 65 mph the engine died, once again on the highway at over 65 mph. Again I str... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
The fuel tank strap, also known as a fuel tank heat shield, protects the gas tank from debris during driving and off-road use. The original part number is WFN500021 which replaces WFI500053. Due to the metal chosen to make this shield, and the materials of other parts around it, it suffers from galvanic corrosion. As the tank shield starts to rust, that causes rust in other areas to start as well.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Today is 1/21/26. My car has had problems since 12/4/25 when I started getting drivetrain warning lights. After "call roadside assistance" prompts, it will start, but a drivetrain fault appears on the dash. Many faults have appeared at the dealer and I have it in writing that there is nothing more they can do. They escalated the issue to BMW with no resolution, to date. I have requested a buy-back... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Today is 1/21/26. My car has had problems since 12/4/25 when I started getting drivetrain warning lights. After "call roadside assistance" prompts, it will start, but a drivetrain fault appears on the dash. Many faults have appeared at the dealer and I have it in writing that there is nothing more they can do. They escalated the issue to BMW with no resolution, to date. I have requested a buy-back... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
Was driving 70 mph on nj 287 when all sudden I hear something that sounded like implosion and air was coming from sunroof. Ended up being sun roof glass flew out of car sunroof frame. Toyota knew it was a defect as they did inspection but did not want to cover it because they said it’s out of warranty. Thankfully no one was driving behind me at that time
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, and the check engine warning light and the throttle control warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
This has happened twice. Once in November 2025 and then in January 2026. With super cruise engaged while going around a curve super cruse disengages and the steering wheel turns to driving straight. You have about one or two seconds to take control or crash. This happened while driving about 70 mph on interstate I 70 and next on Ohio 122 going about 45 mph. On I 70 it was a gentle curve and on 12... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
Backup camera screen does one of the following when put in reverse Screen turns black or freezes or Turns blue when car is put in reverse. This happens daily many, many times. If I turn off the car for approximately 5 minutes it may clear up and then happen again within 30 seconds. This is a safety hazard and will cause an accident or fatality.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The BMW, while turning at low speed into a parking space, suddenly accelerated and the braking system failed. Airbags deployed after multiple impacts with other vehicles and a fixed object, causing serious personal injury for the driver. The incident occurred on 01/16/2026. The vehicle is a total loss, has not yet been inspected, and is in storage. No warning lamps, messages or other issues wer... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The BMW, while turning at low speed into a parking space, suddenly accelerated and the braking system failed. Airbags deployed after multiple impacts with other vehicles and a fixed object, causing serious personal injury for the driver. The incident occurred on 01/16/2026. The vehicle is a total loss, has not yet been inspected, and is in storage. No warning lamps, messages or other issues wer... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
My 2023 Mazda CX-30, which is currently under full manufacturer warranty, was brought to the dealer on October 10, 2025, specifically to address a safety defect involving white chemical particulates blowing through the HVAC vents. The dealership confirmed the failure of the "evaporative coating", which resulted in unidentified chemical byproduct being discharged directly into the passenger cabin.T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 BMW X3, which is currently subject to an active safety recall involving a potential engine starter defect that may result in a vehicle fire.BMW of North America has notified me that water may enter the engine starter, causing corrosion and overheating, which can lead to a fire even when the vehicle is parked and... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The engine has a knocking sound. I took it into the dealer and they replaced the exhaust system thinking that was the problem. However, the knocking still happens intermittently. I have video documentation of the noise.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The windshield wipers activate by themselves, even when it is not raining and there is no water.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
My 2019 BMW 330i has a recurring cooling system defect, including coolant leaks, heater inoperative, and risk of engine overheating. The defect began while the vehicle was under warranty and was repaired by BMW, but it recurred. BMW later instructed me not to drive the vehicle due to safety concerns, yet declined responsibility and transportation. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
My 2019 BMW 330i has a recurring cooling system defect, including coolant leaks, heater inoperative, and risk of engine overheating. The defect began while the vehicle was under warranty and was repaired by BMW, but it recurred. BMW later instructed me not to drive the vehicle due to safety concerns, yet declined responsibility and transportation. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
For the second time since I have owned the vehicle that was purchased brand new. The engine seized during driving on the highway and began making loud noises that was knocking and jerking the vehicle. The issue occurred initially around 15,000 miles and was diagnosed as lifter failure, was repaired and returned in July 2022. At 64,000 miles on January 15, 2026, while on an interstate the engine di... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The bearings in my engine failed while on the road! The dealer says I need a full engine replacement for $16,000. There were no warnings or indication there was a problem. The vehicle has been maintained perfectly since it’s purchase.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. While the contact's daughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery and the auxiliary battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to sta... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
ICCU failure while driving. Car completely stopped. I was driving up an incline feeder street in a shopping mall with several other cars also trying to use the feeder street which led to a main street. Because everything failed and I was on an incline, I had to keep my foot on the brake at all times. My emergency flashers didn't work. I had no way to alert the cars behind me to go around. I couldn... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
Vehicle: 2025 BMW X3 Complaint Description: I am reporting a serious safety defect involving sudden unintended acceleration, braking abnormalities, steering looseness, and electronic system failures. Within days of purchase, the vehicle began experiencing infotainment system freezing and electronic malfunctions. Over time, steering looseness and abnormal brake behavior developed. These issues w... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 17, 2025
Vehicle: 2025 BMW X3 Complaint Description: I am reporting a serious safety defect involving sudden unintended acceleration, braking abnormalities, steering looseness, and electronic system failures. Within days of purchase, the vehicle began experiencing infotainment system freezing and electronic malfunctions. Over time, steering looseness and abnormal brake behavior developed. These issues w... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
In mid-trip as we were going down the highway went to change lanes and the turn signals were no longer functioning. No errors, no alerts, no warnings they just stopped working. After pulling over and turning off the vehicle and turning back on they work for a time then stop working again. After researching with other owners of these and similar model Mercedes Benz vehicles this is a prevalent and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Starting in July/August 2025, my 2019 BMW X3 (G01) suffered a total failure of multiple safety-critical systems, including the Emergency Call (eCall) system, the rearview camera, and frontal collision/pedestrian alert sensors. These failures were accompanied by a persistent "Emergency Call System Malfunction" warning on the dashboard. BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 65 12 22 acknowledges a ma... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Starting in July/August 2025, my 2019 BMW X3 (G01) suffered a total failure of multiple safety-critical systems, including the Emergency Call (eCall) system, the rearview camera, and frontal collision/pedestrian alert sensors. These failures were accompanied by a persistent "Emergency Call System Malfunction" warning on the dashboard. BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 65 12 22 acknowledges a ma... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
I purchased my 2025 Legacy from Brunswick Subaru (Brunswick,OH) on 9/22/25. A few days later, while riding in the passenger seat, the airbag light/icon stayed off. I am a petite female, weighing 100 pounds. I immediately called Brunswick Subaru's service department. The service manager drove me around, and he saw that what I was reporting was true. He said he would order sensors to fix the prob... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
A few months ago, June 18, 2025 my 2018 BMW 430i convertible, which has 57,202 miles on the odometer, alerted me that the passenger side restraint system was malfunctioning. BMW declined to address the issue. Now, I am receiving the same notification for the driver side. Once again, BMW refuses to provide repairs. This poses a significant safety risk, as my airbags could potentially deploy unexp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
I recently tried to get my oil changed and they told me that the oil filter housing was cracked. After doing research on this there is several sources saying that there is lots that has had the same malfunction. Surprised there isn't a recall on this part
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
My 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 suffered a sudden Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failure that put me in grave danger. As I left my workplace in the evening, I heard a “pop” sound and got the dashboard warning, “Check Electrical Vehicle System.” It was unclear what the warning meant. I had 65% charge left at that point. As I began driving, the gas pedal “stuck,” not allowing me to acc... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
On or December 5th, 2025 (4 days after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and severe steering system failure while driving. When turning the steering wheel (even slightly), the vehicle produced a loud buzzing/grinding noise and the steering effort increased significantly, creating an immediate safety hazard. Because the steering issue worsened quickly and made the vehicle dif... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
whenever we need to use the horn there isnt one to use. we have changed the fuse more than once still nothing.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Oil light appears when at a stop and goes off when accelerating. was told by mechanic this is a sensor problem common to my vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
While driving my vehicle at normal highway and city speeds, I noticed a serious steering issue where the steering wheel feels excessively loose and unresponsive. The vehicle does not track straight and constantly drifts left and right, requiring continuous steering corrections to keep it within the lane. The steering feels vague and unstable, as if there is excessive play in the steering system. A... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
While driving my vehicle at normal highway and city speeds, I noticed a serious steering issue where the steering wheel feels excessively loose and unresponsive. The vehicle does not track straight and constantly drifts left and right, requiring continuous steering corrections to keep it within the lane. The steering feels vague and unstable, as if there is excessive play in the steering system. A... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
My honda prologue makes a loud knocking sound at every turn. Dealer says it's covered under warranty and it's the CV axle. Came in today and apparently there was a stop work order for this issue on the honda prologues. This issue has been replicated and confirmed by the dealer. This issue appeared around 2 months ago at around 12k miles. No warning lamps, no system warning, just a very loud knocki... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The vehicle caught fire while parked and running in the driveway of my home. There were no modifications, no accident, and no external cause. The fire occurred without warning and posed a serious safety risk to occupants and property. The vehicle was under manufacturer warranty at the time of the incident. The fire caused damages to my house too. There were no warning lamps or messages. Benz has n... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Safety Complaint – 2018 BMW M550i Driver Assistance System I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous malfunction of the driver assistance systems in my 2018 BMW M550i. These systems behave unpredictably and cannot be reliably disabled, creating an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle’s driver assistance f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Safety Complaint – 2018 BMW M550i Driver Assistance System I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous malfunction of the driver assistance systems in my 2018 BMW M550i. These systems behave unpredictably and cannot be reliably disabled, creating an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle’s driver assistance f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2018 Ram 2500. While the son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle eventually slowed down and came to a complete stop. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The owner had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic);... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I am having the exact transmission issue for this truck that has been recalled, but when I call to get it serviced, I am told "there isn't any unrepaired recalls. This issue is persistent and unresolved. Please look into this and potentially recall the transmission issue. This truck has constant shifting troubles form 1st to 2nd with shuddering.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The vehicle’s "Passenger Airbag Off" light and dashboard SRS warning lamp are illuminated. A diagnostic scan using a BMW-specific tool confirms manufacturer Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Detector). This indicates a hardware failure of the OC3 internal seat sensor mat. Safety Risk: The failure of this sensor prevents the vehicle from correctly identifying if an adult is in the passen... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
My 2022 Toyota Platinum hesitates on acceleration. This happens constantly. I pull out of my neighborhood street onto a busy street, the truck moves forward then hesitates in a busy lane, then will surge ahead. This leaves me exposed to oncoming traffic. I have just missed being hit many times. This happens at intersections, where it will hesitate and the car behind me almost hits me. Thank you.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
On November 17, 2025, my 2015 BMW 328i (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while parked, locked, and turned off inside my enclosed residential garage in Irvine, California. The vehicle had been parked for approximately 90 minutes prior to the incident. No flammable materials were stored in or around the vehicle. Responding police and fire personnel identified the vehicle itself as the source of the fire, w... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
On November 17, 2025, my 2015 BMW 328i (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while parked, locked, and turned off inside my enclosed residential garage in Irvine, California. The vehicle had been parked for approximately 90 minutes prior to the incident. No flammable materials were stored in or around the vehicle. Responding police and fire personnel identified the vehicle itself as the source of the fire, w... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
Heard fuse pop in back of car immediately went into turtle mode with red check electrical system warning. Dealer diagnosed as bad ICCU which also drained the 12v battery. This recall should be left open for all these ICCUs keep failing and stranding people.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
While driving my 2016 BMW i3 with Range Extender, the vehicle experiences sudden and complete loss of propulsion at very low state of charge (0–1%). The car abruptly loses motive power, forcing me to pull over, sometimes while in traffic. After sitting for several minutes, limited power may return, but the vehicle often shuts down again, and in some cases the Range Extender engine does not engag... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
While driving my 2016 BMW i3 with Range Extender, the vehicle experiences sudden and complete loss of propulsion at very low state of charge (0–1%). The car abruptly loses motive power, forcing me to pull over, sometimes while in traffic. After sitting for several minutes, limited power may return, but the vehicle often shuts down again, and in some cases the Range Extender engine does not engag... Read more