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: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased 7 months ago. The contact stated that upon attempting to register the vehicle and to secure the license plates, the State DMV informed the contact that there was an open recall on the vehicle that needed to be completed prior to the registration. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V230000... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
OEM Tires: 225/55/R18 - Bridgestone Turanza All Season I am writing to raise a formal concern regarding the premature wear of OEM tires installed on my leased 2025 BMW X1. At approximately 15,000 miles, I was advised to replace the tires at 4/32" tread depth, which is significantly below the longevity historically expected of OEM tires. This raises serious concerns around vehicle safety, environ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Front differential diagnosed as failed, needing a full rebuild or replacement by local Ford Dealer. The vehicle now has 70,700 miles, the noise first thought to be a wheel bearing at 60K+ miles. Safety concerns are a possibility of a failure at highway speeds,. I have reviewed similar complaints with fewer miles on similar 2022 Ford f-150 trucks having these component failures.
BMW
I4 XDRIVE40
(2025) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 29, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
My reverse lights, rear wiper and plate light have all Stopped working due to severed wires in the liftgate wiring harness at the hinge area. This is a faulty design by Dodge, a safety concern and an issue that is widespread and reported on the internet.
BMW
I4 XDRIVE40
(2025) — Other/I am not sure
Dec 29, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Nuna had a major recall for their rava convertible car seats as your organization is aware of. However, there are two main issues that I'm having that Nuna has refused to address nor do they have a viable solution for. The first is that with the recall fix which was new material they sent out, the harness button is covered by Fabric and when the rava is in rear-facing mode it becomes almost imposs... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in the winter, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the coolant sensor needed to be replaced. The coolant sensor was replaced; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The contact related the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle in the State of California, the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000(Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be registered... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
We bought this vehicle from a local dealer in March (9months ago) in the time we’ve had it… it’s been in the shop for about 6 of them. 1- About 3 weeks after the purchase it shut off while I was driving on the highway. We then took it to the dealership in Jasper, Ga bc the error code said the pcm needed to be reset. They couldn’t get it to reset so they embarked on a diagnostic that took ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
I am reporting a safety hazard with the Driver Monitoring/Driver Assistance system in my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL (VIN: [XXX] ). The system frequently misinterprets my normal driving behavior as inattentiveness and triggers constant, loud beeping while I am driving. In many cases, it also disables assistance functions mid‑drive, which is dangerous and unexpected. The false alerts appear to be ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
Shifter switch has gone out and no longer recognizes the car is in park, causes battery drainage because car cannot fully turn off. Car not recognizing gears can cause car accidents and possible loss of life. This issue can be found online as a known defect in mazda cx-5 that has not been recalled. Vehicle has been inspected and issue has been verified.There were no warning lights, sounds or sympt... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
Starter can malfunction and start fire. Unable to park in garage due to potential fire risk. BMW is aware of the problem. Care was serviced at BMW dealer and said that they have no remedy. This recall is over 15 months old.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
Subject: Consequential Damage and Failure of Remedy regarding Recall 24V-608 Incident Description: "I am reporting a failure of the manufacturer to provide an effective remedy for Safety Recall 24V-608 (Electric Water Pump) and subsequent consequential damage to the High-Voltage battery system. In September 2023, at approximately 78,000 miles, this vehicle exhibited 'Drivetrain Malfunctions' inc... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
Subject: Consequential Damage and Failure of Remedy regarding Recall 24V-608 Incident Description: "I am reporting a failure of the manufacturer to provide an effective remedy for Safety Recall 24V-608 (Electric Water Pump) and subsequent consequential damage to the High-Voltage battery system. In September 2023, at approximately 78,000 miles, this vehicle exhibited 'Drivetrain Malfunctions' inc... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Manufacturer failed to respond to certified written request for recall coverage determination.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
we had a coolant leak like the one reported on recall N785, I called the Land Rover USA office and they said that they only have a "voluntary" recall for this problem and I need to pay for them to fix it. It's not faire that they refuse to fix something that is happening in the same car and model but different engine type. They know they need to recall all the Defenders. What you can do to protect... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
A brand-new 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid sold by Lehigh Valley Honda had inoperative front and rear windshield defoggers immediately upon delivery. The defect caused persistent windshield fogging, severely impairing visibility in rain and cold conditions. The selling dealership refused to perform warranty repairs and stated the issue was in all Hondas. The vehicle was unsafe to operate due to impaired ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
The 10 speed transmission slips, misses and fails across all gears, but especially in lower gears. Engine only had 37,000 miles on it when I bought the vehicle through Carvana. It’s been having this issue from day one.
BMW
I4 EDRIVE40
(2025) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 24, 2025
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Horn has been replaced three times and is now out for a fourth time.
BMW
I4 EDRIVE40
(2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 24, 2025
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious and ongoing safety defect with my BMW i4, present since the beginning of ownership. The vehicle pulls and skids to the right while driving and intermittently swerves, making it unsafe to operate and posing a clear risk to both myself and other road users. This is a safety-critical issue, not a comfort or preference concern. Despite repeated repair attemp... Read more
BMW
I4 EDRIVE40
(2025) — WHEELS
Dec 24, 2025
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious and ongoing safety defect with my BMW i4, present since the beginning of ownership. The vehicle pulls and skids to the right while driving and intermittently swerves, making it unsafe to operate and posing a clear risk to both myself and other road users. This is a safety-critical issue, not a comfort or preference concern. Despite repeated repair attemp... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
Engine control harness with under fuse box due to melted fuse box. This caused my blower motor and relay to go bad. No air flow currently in car due to control harness. Dealership stated that there has been several Sante Fe that has came in this year with the same issue.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
Continually get a power loss error while driving and accelerating. Took to BMW dealership and not able to clear error after having the car for a over month.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
Continually get a power loss error while driving and accelerating. Took to BMW dealership and not able to clear error after having the car for a over month.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light was activated with an audible alarm and the messages "Service ABS” and “Traction Control" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the ABS and HCU modules but the failure later reoccurred. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Nu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The Rear Cross Traffic system does not work! A few days ago a car stopped inches away from me without any warning. I was backing out of a parking space at the grocery store.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
Engine ticking noise, poorly made bolts on exhaust manifold were used. Bolts loosen or Break off and manifold warps or cracks. Cause exhaust leak into cabin. Truck can be inspected if needed
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
Our vehicle alerted us to over heating and to pull over immediately. Our car then stopped running. We had it towed and was told there was an issue with the water pump sensor and corrosion issues. They alerted us that there was a recall for these issues on our vehicle. We researched and found this to be true. When I contacted BMW they stated our vin number was not part of the recall but our vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The car sporadically does not shift from 1st 2 second and then abruptly shuts cause a loud jerk of engine and car. It is startling and scary when it happens. I’m afraid the car will break down while in the road. Every time we take the car to dealership they “cannot replicate” issue therefore there is nothing to fix on an issue that is all over the internet with Honda vans and suvs.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
My current 2024 Honda Prologue has been in twice in one year's time for complete replacements of front axles. The second repair also included replacing the half shaft. The vehicle has under 8500 miles. Both incidents started with a clicking sound when turning. The first replacement took weeks of waiting as the parts were backordered. The second took two weeks.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The rear seat on the left , seat belt off from the mount while my 7 years old son trying to fasten seatbelt.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
We heard a whining sound under the hood on November 1st, 2025. Prior to noticing this noise, there were no warming lamps or messages appearing. Following a short drive we smelled burning in the garage. We did not drive the vehicle the following day and intended to take it to our mechanic on Monday morning, the 3rd. Upon trying to start the car it was dead. We had to have it professionally jumped ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
We heard a whining sound under the hood on November 1st, 2025. Prior to noticing this noise, there were no warming lamps or messages appearing. Following a short drive we smelled burning in the garage. We did not drive the vehicle the following day and intended to take it to our mechanic on Monday morning, the 3rd. Upon trying to start the car it was dead. We had to have it professionally jumped ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
On Sunday, December 14, 2025, I was driving a 2022 Honda Civic Sport with my wife in the passenger seat when the vehicle’s driver-assist/steering system unexpectedly intervened and caused the vehicle to veer off the roadway and down a steep embankment (approximately 40–50 feet) without driver input. I attempted to correct the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond as expected. There was n... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the driver’s side inflator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,412.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that parts we... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that only a shield had been replaced. I... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the oil pressure gauge suddenly dropped to zero(0), and a message stating that the oil pressure was low and to turn off the vehicle was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. Upon inspecting underneath the front end of the vehicle, the contact noticed that oil had spray... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side B-Pillar trim detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the part was not available to repair the vehicle. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure) and 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn in a line of other vehicles, the brakes locked up and the vehicle came to an immediate stop. The contact stated that vehicle drove normally after the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Re: 25V-636 We received a recall notice for the above notice over a month ago. No further communication has been sent from BMW in the status of new part availability and they refuse to assist with accommodations because of the scale of the recall. The letter clearly states that there is a fire risk and to not park near structures. This leaves almost everybody who owns affected cars with no option... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
My Equinox EV telematics module does not work. Prevents the use of navigation features and Onstar navigation features.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
The vehicle's suspension is excessively stiff and harsh since new, transmitting all road imperfections, bumps, and irregularities directly to the driver and passengers, causing discomfort and fatigue. Additionally, there is abnormal noise (clunking/rattling/creaking/popping) from the steering rack area, especially when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, over bumps, or when stationary. The s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Approximately 2 months after purchase, the sunroof spontaneously shattered/exploded while driving on the interstate. We had it fixed and about 3 months after that, the same exact thing happened.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
While attempting to park forward into a handicapped parking space, the car lurched forward approximately 4 feet instead of braking/stopping. The braking system appeared to fail and the electrical/sensors/ADAS warnings did not engage. The vehicle drove over a cement parking block and struck a building shrub, signage and hvac unit.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
While attempting to park forward into a handicapped parking space, the car lurched forward approximately 4 feet instead of braking/stopping. The braking system appeared to fail and the electrical/sensors/ADAS warnings did not engage. The vehicle drove over a cement parking block and struck a building shrub, signage and hvac unit.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Tesla refuses to fix recall NHTSA No: 22V798.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I was parking , I had my foot on the brake. I was at the parking curb stopped and my vehicle fully ecellerated , full speed crashing me into the building infront of me. the vehicle would not turn off even after exiting. this happened before however I only hit the curb as there was nothing else to hit. Im terrified. This could have EASILY KILLED SOMEONE. someone needs to review the data recorder i... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Park to shift keeps popping up on dash while driving. Vehicle will not recognise when in park at times to allow vehicle to be shut off properly. The stability track warning pops up on dash now as well. The check emits comes on with codes for all going back to transmission control module system and when replaced spark plugs we found that the PCV (cam cvr to turbo) tube was cracked all the way throu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Within days of purchasing the vehicle, multiple warning lights and safety-related alerts appeared, including repeated check engine warnings, an alert stating “Driver Assistance Support Reduced,” and a wrench indicator referencing an auto lighting and wiping system malfunction. While driving, the vehicle felt unstable and would sway side to side, making it difficult to maintain confident contro... Read more