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: Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera had been inoperable since purchasing the vehicle. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V048000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the VIN tool showed no open recall. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
Warranty work has not been completed and I have had this issue for months.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
On April 5, 2026, I was stopped at a busy intersection waiting to turn left. When I proceeded through the light, the car's sensor suddenly went off and the car braked violently. I thought I had hit something in the road. (I was driving in one pedal mode). There was nothing in the road, and I had not collided with anything. The car just decided to brake because it incorrectly sensed something in my... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
On April 5, 2026, I was stopped at a busy intersection waiting to turn left. When I proceeded through the light, the car's sensor suddenly went off and the car braked violently. I thought I had hit something in the road. (I was driving in one pedal mode). There was nothing in the road, and I had not collided with anything. The car just decided to brake because it incorrectly sensed something in my... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I have attached a letter detailing the issues and the problems with the vehicle in PDF format.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact’s son owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the rear of the vehicle caught fire. The contact’s son pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, and the fire extinguished on its own. No fire or police report was filed. The contact was informed by local police that... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
Engines has a severe issue with coolant leaking into the engine cylinders due to a design defect in the engine block. This "coolant intrusion" lead to misfires, engine overheating, and complete engine failure, and is requiring a full engine replacement.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the radiator was leaking. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the dealer stated that a rock or road debris had caused the puncture in the radiator. The contact was advised by the dealer that it was a known failure and that there was no radiator debris shield to protect the radiator from damage. The contact was informed by the dea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
Air suspension/vehicle height Brake systems were taken away (adaptive cruise, anti collision and lane mitigation) Yes confirmed by dealer Yes Yes warning lights
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
Air suspension/vehicle height Brake systems were taken away (adaptive cruise, anti collision and lane mitigation) Yes confirmed by dealer Yes Yes warning lights
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle and closing the door, the rear window shattered. There was no impact on the rear window to shatter. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 9,541.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Hard shifting in most lower gears, slipping gears, shuddering in higher gears
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
I have had recall number 25S76/25V467 on my vehicle since July 2025. The dealership keeps telling me this recall is for a software update and my vehicle is updated. ! But why would the recall still be showing as incomplete then? And how is recall 25S76/25V467 just a software update? It doesn't sound anything software related!!
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Shift to Park issue: Known issue where the car fails to recognize it is in Park, preventing it from shutting off. Electronics: Potential blanked-out display screens, USB port issues, and malfunctioning cameras. Steering Assist: Restricted, temperature gauge goes to cold and radiator fan blows hard. I have to unplug negative cable to battery and reconnect and everything goes back to normal.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
Harsh shifting in relation to TBS 23-2250 causing the vehicle response to be unpredictably unsafe merging or suddenly stopping or accelerating.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
In the 2026 Yukons, almost all physical buttons have been replaced by the giant center touchscreen. When starting my vehicle, about a third of the time the screen will not come on, and can’t be turned back on by any means. It will randomly come back on after a few more trips/restarts. This renders several critical systems inoperable. All HVAC does not work, defrosters aren’t available, back ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
In the 2026 Yukons, almost all physical buttons have been replaced by the giant center touchscreen. When starting my vehicle, about a third of the time the screen will not come on, and can’t be turned back on by any means. It will randomly come back on after a few more trips/restarts. This renders several critical systems inoperable. All HVAC does not work, defrosters aren’t available, back ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Losing power steering intermittently.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Ongoing Electrical Failures (2024 Lincoln Nautilus) This vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved electrical system failures despite being brought in for service at least seven times. The issues remain ongoing and impact both safety and reliability: 1. Rear driver-side window defect – window reverses and will not remain closed, creating a safety and security concern. Multiple repair atte... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The infotainment system does not operate correctly. The screen where the backup camera and all other information is you can not view since the screen is black most of the time. That is also where the light switch is for headlights and such.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
I recently bought a 2019 Nissan Altima SR and when I got it home I noticed the door locks weren't locking or unlocking on 3 doors! The salesman didn't mention any problems with the car and I inspected it and didn't notice this until I got it home. This is a safety issue and everything should work on a vehicle when one buys it. There were no warnings and I have a family with two teen kids and one ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
I recently bought a 2019 Nissan Altima SR and when I got it home I noticed the door locks weren't locking or unlocking on 3 doors! The salesman didn't mention any problems with the car and I inspected it and didn't notice this until I got it home. This is a safety issue and everything should work on a vehicle when one buys it. There were no warnings and I have a family with two teen kids and one ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
At Random, the dashboard will light up with a red brake light, the check engine light, front end collision warning, and the ABS warning light. IT gives me several messages as well. Service electronic stability control, Auto emergency Braking Active Braking off, Auto emergency Braking unavailable Service Required. When this happens the brake pedal is impossible to push and it takes every ounce of p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
At Random, the dashboard will light up with a red brake light, the check engine light, front end collision warning, and the ABS warning light. IT gives me several messages as well. Service electronic stability control, Auto emergency Braking Active Braking off, Auto emergency Braking unavailable Service Required. When this happens the brake pedal is impossible to push and it takes every ounce of p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The AT light came on the dash, added transmission fluid because it was a little low but the light still has not gone off. I think there is an electrical problem within the transmission. It's had shifting issues since purchasing this vehicle. I also have a small child that comes with me to work and I do not want my car to catch on fire while we are in this vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I had gotten into a head on collision in January. My insurance had refused to cover me because I had only been insured for a month. Now I’m trying to get it fix out of pocket. I’m finding out about more repairs needed ASAP. My engine might be gone.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
I rode the bike to the end of driveway, turned around rode it back to the garage and the engine backfired and smoke started pouring out the exhaust and oil started pouring out the air breather, this bike had one mile on the odometer, it was the first time I drove the bike. The bike is at the dealership. If it would have happened on the road while driving it I could’ve lost control and wrecked fr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Emmc memory recall, took into tesla today April 2 2026 for them to address the issue and they have refused to accept their issue on memory failure and replacement of the emmc 8gb module for a 64gb micron emmc module. Instead they insisted a $1,500 upgrade package instead of the free recall that is required for change. The current car screen in does not work due to this module failing.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
There were no dash warnings. The car slowed to 20MPH and then stopped just as we were about to pull onto a busy freeway. The dash stayed on and then went blank while I waited for the tow truck to take it back to the dealer. The tow truck driver was unable to move the car without jumping the dead battery to get the car to pull up the tow truck ramp. We were told it was an ICCU failure. The car was... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
Windshield suddenly cracked, making two large arcs several feet long. Driving on paved road at 20 mph, no gravel, no other traffic.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Phone calls constantly get dropped using hands free CarPlay, requiring me to switch to using my phone manually on the call. Big safety issue. I see online in numerous forums that this is an issue with Subaru use of CarPlay. It is not the phone, and I have tried every fix suggested.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Instrument cluster has started to flicker when driving. Have had incidents where instrument cluster freezes while driving and a blank black screen when first starting. Whenever the screen freezes or turns black, turning the vehicle off and on again fixes the issue. It seems that the flickering is intermittent. Has recently become more frequent and why I wanted the dealership to take a look. They'r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel became inoperable when starting the vehicle. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Failure of Integrated Charge Control Unit (ICCU). Vehicle stopped charging 12V service battery from main high voltage battery. Displayed "Check Electric Vehicle System" followed by "Stop vehicle and check power supply". Vehicle to operate normally though Cruise Control stopped working. Continued to drive the few miles to our home. Once home checked service battery with battery monitor. Showed 12.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Asymmetrical wear on the front brakes. The outer pad wears out completely while the inner pad( with the brake wear sensor) shows almost no wear. The dealer (Park Place Acura, Plano Texas) brought this to my attention on November 3, 2025 saying only the front pads needed replacing but did not disclose the asymmetrical wear. I took the vehicle back to the Dealer January 15, 2026 for repair after dis... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The CV joints are making a clicking noise now every time I turn and I’m starting to notice that there is some sticking when that happens. It would be available for inspection on request. Yes the dealer acknowledged the failure, but says the parts to fix it our back ordered and so has told me twice to just bring the car back at a later date. There are no warning lamps.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
UNKNOWN The frame and wall of the RV seem to be separating. This is called frame flex in the industry. We are having the RV inspected to be sure. If this is confirmed it could put the passengers and others on the highway at risk. There were no warnings with the exception of physical seeing the damage before a professional inspection was done.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
onstar telematics module went out and took away my way to call in a car problems and if stolen wont be able to find and the forward Collision don't work my high beam turn on and off by themselves and don't have there wifi or severs without it or emergency button
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
onstar telematics module went out and took away my way to call in a car problems and if stolen wont be able to find and the forward Collision don't work my high beam turn on and off by themselves and don't have there wifi or severs without it or emergency button
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I am reporting a safety issue with my Porsche Taycan. On two separate occasions within the past month, the vehicle has experienced a sudden and complete loss of power while I was accelerating hard on the highway. In both instances, the vehicle immediately entered “turtle mode,” severely limiting performance to the point where there was effectively no power available to maintain speed or safely... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I got into a head-on collision with a cement center median going roughly 45-50MPH after fishtailing on black ice. My airbags did not deploy at that speed, I contact toyota corporate and they only removed the CDR information and did not assess the airbag sensors themselves. I was able to press the SOS button for EMS to arrive. My safety was put at risk as none of my airbags deployed. It was not in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The powered operation of the third row in the 2025 Hyundai Palisade fails to stop if anything or anyone is sitting or placed on the third row seat. There has been a report of a [XXX] death with respect to this operation already in Ohio and other injuries across the nation. Hyundai has already placed a stop sell on this vehicle but there are many other vehicles on the road at the moment that can... Read more
1 deaths
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
Vehicle traveling at highway speeds 70 mph, will suddenly slam on brakes. While there is nothing in front of the vehicle and or sensor. weather type was clear not a sight of rain or snow.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was excessively difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
My brakes stopped working while driving on highway I80 West. I had to have AAA tow my car to nearby shop. The mechanic said my vacuum pump needed to be replaced and he sees this happen often with Chevrolets.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling out of state. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing intermittent horn failure, and the failure mostly occurred while driving straight with limited steering input. The horn was operable while turning the steering wheel. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact learned that it was a common failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an ind... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I brought my vehicle to the dealership (Axis Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Jersey City, NJ) for open safety recalls. The vehicle has been at the dealership for approximately 3 weeks. I was repeatedly told parts were coming (alternator and brake booster), but the repairs were never completed. I was later told I could pick up the vehicle, but no documentation was provided and I have reason to believe t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
When stopped at a red light, the vehicle’s auto off system turned the engine off. When the light turned green and I removed my foot from the brake, the engine stalled and would not restart. I pushed the start button several times, put the vehicle in park, pushed the start button a few more times, and finally got it to restart. Luckily, this happened leaving my neighborhood and not in a more prec... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The motor through a misfire code and began making a noise while vehicle was sitting at a red light. Vehicle lost all power and had to be towed. Was quoted my the Acura dealership $9k. Main reason for addressing this concern is because numerous Acura J35 series motors have already been recalled for engine connecting rod issues. While this motor doesn't apparently fall under that recall, odd that it... Read more