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 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
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
The ABS failed while driving on the highway. There was no accident, but it was substantially harder to brake when needed.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Electrical-soy covered wires causes rodents to chew wires causing electrical defaults and faulty control. Windshield - Minor chips causing massive cracks - happened twice in a 2 week time frame. After it was replaced. Cracked again
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Electrical-soy covered wires causes rodents to chew wires causing electrical defaults and faulty control. Windshield - Minor chips causing massive cracks - happened twice in a 2 week time frame. After it was replaced. Cracked again
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I have a 2013 Nissan Maxima in my headlights are horrible when they are on dim you cannot see in front of you so bad that it's liable to cause a bad wreck I have to ride with my headlights on bright and it's not much better I have replaced the bulbs in both headlights twice it has not improved anything I think it is a very dangerous thing in could call someone to get hurt because no one can see I'... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Visibly observed antifreeze / coolant leaking from top radiator hose where it connects to the radiator. Dealer replaced upper radiator o-ring but it's still leaking. At 17000 miles a service brake warning message showed up on information screen. Front brake rotors are warped. Dealer states normal wear on front brakes. Also the dealership stated the front left inner brake pad was down to 2mm of ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Reporting a failure of the engine cooling system on my 2019 BMW X3 that developed over time despite repeated repair attempts and ultimately resulted in complete engine failure. Over the past year, the vehicle has experienced ongoing coolant loss and overheating warnings despite multiple coolant-related repairs. When the problem continued, I brought the vehicle to a BMW dealership, where the servic... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine revved, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off; however, wh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
This complaint concerns excessive glare from factory-installed LED headlights on modern vehicles, particularly SUVs and trucks. These headlights produce intense, blue-rich light that causes severe glare, halos, and reduced contrast at night. As a driver with astigmatism, this glare significantly degrades my ability to see pedestrians, cyclists, lane markings, and road hazards. The issue is widesp... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I am reporting an incident involving unintended vehicle movement/acceleration in my 2023 BMW iX xDrive50. BMW of North America inspected the vehicle and claims no defect was found; however, they refuse to provide the Event Data Recorder (EDR) data or diagnostic logs used to reach that conclusion. The incident occurred around September 1, 2025. The vehicle exhibited behavior inconsistent with norm... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I am reporting an incident involving unintended vehicle movement/acceleration in my 2023 BMW iX xDrive50. BMW of North America inspected the vehicle and claims no defect was found; however, they refuse to provide the Event Data Recorder (EDR) data or diagnostic logs used to reach that conclusion. The incident occurred around September 1, 2025. The vehicle exhibited behavior inconsistent with norm... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) has failed for the SECOND TIME in this vehicles history. This problem disables the four wheel drive feature of the vehicle, causing a dashboard warning light to illuminate, and may lead to other serious drivetrain safety issues. According to the dealer service technician, the splines on the unit are wearing out and causing disengagement of the rear drive wheels. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control system unexpectedly disconnected. The contact stated that the “Service Traction Control” and “Service Brakes” warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that parts were not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
I had noticed a 1" wide crack had formed in the center of the windshield after first night of cold weather (~10°F). There was no prior damage to the windshield before the crack formed. I'm concerned that the crack will continue to spread as we progress into the winter in the upper Midwest, ultimately shattering while I'm driving.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Part number 17127799184 keeps melting. Over the years I have had multiple components under the hood to melt. I’ve replaced hydraulic lines, coolant reservoirs you name it. Most recently part number 17127799184 keeps melting. I’ve replaced this part three times. My car is currently at Bloomfield hill bmw of Michigan. They did a diagnostic but it states they cannot definitively tell me what’s ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
I was driving on the highway at around 70mph, switched lanes and the steering wheel randomly locked up. Gladly, I was aware of the situation and avoided a HUGE car crash but the steering started to work a few seconds later. I am very nervous to drive the car now.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
My sunroof spontaneously exploded yesterday, which sounded like a loud shotgun blast going off. Fortunately my vehicle was stopped at the time, but no rocks or debris had hit it to cause this then or previously, and nothing had fallen on it. No warning or other symptoms prior to this happening, the car was in mint condition and always garaged, 34,750 miles. Could have been much worse had I been... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
I have three check engine codes P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit (Bank 1 or single sensor) P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or single sensor) P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A The last one is the same code that’s involved in the L 87 recall that my vehicle is three months shy of I have a 2021 Silverado trail bu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Summary: Remote start causes repeated, predictable failure of critical safety systems including traction control, hill descent control, and automatic emergency braking. Description of Problem: When the vehicle is started using the factory app for phones, the lower infotainment screen (the climate/drive assist panel) frequently fails to initialize properly. As a result, the icons and functions for ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. ABS warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! We have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matt... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. ABS warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! We have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matt... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Grand Design Solitude. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the side wall frame was flexing and cracking. In addition, the cargo doors independently unlatched due to the failure. The RV was taken to an independent shop, where it was diagnosed with fractured side walls. In addition, the contact was informed that the side walls had detached from the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Fuel management system caused a lifter to fail (stuck) which resulted in camshaft damage at 77,611 miles. GM refused to cover the repair, although there is a pending class action lawsuit against GM for this very issue. Truck was repaired at a GM dealership - Sunrise Collierville, TN. Repair costs was approximately $7,000. This occurred during a 2.5 hour road trip which put lives at risk. The truck... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Transfer case going out. The warning light comes on when driving.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
On 12/10/25, my 2019 CX5 NA had major oil leak after smelling a burning smell for a few days. Took it into local mechanic and he couldn’t find the leak, did an engine wash and additional testing before identifying a crack in the cylinder head; the leak was coming from the exhaust manifold. There was oil all over the engine and the underbelly of the vehicle; according to the mechanic, I was lucky... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Summary On September 30, 2025, the passenger in a 2017 BMW i3 REX was involved in a severe frontal collision with a Gas Company Utility Vehicle. The impact struck the driver’s side extending toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to spin violently and nearly flip. The passenger reports seatbelt failure with excessive slack, leading to partial ejection from the seat, mid-thigh restraint, ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Vehicle is unable to fully charge. It stops without notice and has left us stranded. The car has been at the dealership for seven months. The dealership duplicated the problem, but has been unable to repair it. There are now six (6) other 2024 500e’s at Larry H Miller Fiat in Aurora Colorado with the same problem.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Transfer case on 2019 X5,yes available for inspection upon request. At stop position making right turn or left turn the vehicle jutters,also in reverse. Yes - confirmed by the bmw service center who tried to charge for diagnostic fee. Manufacturer knows of issue on 2019 X5 models. Video of these transfer case issues all over online in videos. Issue started about 6 - 9 months ago.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Transfer case on 2019 X5,yes available for inspection upon request. At stop position making right turn or left turn the vehicle jutters,also in reverse. Yes - confirmed by the bmw service center who tried to charge for diagnostic fee. Manufacturer knows of issue on 2019 X5 models. Video of these transfer case issues all over online in videos. Issue started about 6 - 9 months ago.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Transmission self destructed at 68,000 miles. Had to have it replaced at GMC dealership at a cost of over $7,000. GMC did not offer any coverage of the cost.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
My 2019 Honda CR-V, which has the 1.5 liter turbo engine, with 78,000 started up with the dashboard lit up like a xmas tree and reported approx. a dozen faults of all safety features EPB, LKAS, Emissions, etc. It was diagnosed by Lester Glenn Honda in Wall, NJ with oil dilution caused by the leaky fuel injectors. The mechanic noted TDC P0172 - System Too Rich & P0301- cylinder 1 misfire and all f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
The car was purchased brand new in 2020. In 2022, the heating core broke and had to be replaced. This has happened again. This is a safety issue, the defroster is blowing cold air and not clearing the windshield properly. Having to drive a vehicle while freezing is also a safety hazard. A vehicle that is 5 years old, should not have this happen twice. Volkswagen was contacted and said there was no... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Will not shift into park. Code is P068A on reader. When it started not going into park, it started shifting really hard between 1st and 2nd gear. When came to a stop, tried to put the vehicle in park and it automatically put the parking brake on. When the shop looked up recalls, they told me Ford had issued a recall that may be related but put a 70,000 mile or 7 year limit on it. My vehicle meets ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Car was idling in our driveway with the defroster and heater on to melt the ice from the front windshield. After about 20 minutes the Side Airbag on the Drivers side exploded. I do believe this should be a Free Repair by a Honda Dealership as it is obviously a manufacturing defect. Your website indicates” O unrepaired defects”,(for the VIN) but we are not the original owners so we have no idea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I own [XXX] BMW vehicle affected by a safety recall for a defective engine starter relay that may corrode, overheat, and cause a fire. The recall notice dated November 2025 states the vehicle is not safe to drive, with no remedy available, rendering it unusable and hazardous. Recall N0.25V-636. Under Kansas Lemon Law (K.S.A. 50-645 et seq.), I am entitled to a refund or replacement for this subs... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I own [XXX] BMW vehicle affected by a safety recall for a defective engine starter relay that may corrode, overheat, and cause a fire. The recall notice dated November 2025 states the vehicle is not safe to drive, with no remedy available, rendering it unusable and hazardous. Recall N0.25V-636. Under Kansas Lemon Law (K.S.A. 50-645 et seq.), I am entitled to a refund or replacement for this subs... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
While driving on the interstate at 70 mph, the transmission began to shudder. It continued the duration of the trip of 90 mins. Following day, the transmission is continuing to shudder and is now shifting hard.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The ICCU (Integrated Charge Control Unit) failed. Fortunately I was in a parking lot at the time, as the vehicle limited its top speed to around 25 mph. Had the failure occurred on a highway it could have caused a collision. While this is a 2025 model year Ioniq 5, the ICCU hardware (part 36400-1XAA0) remains unchanged across all Hyundai/Kia/Gensis vehicles sharing the eGMP platform. NHTSA prev... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
I went to start my 2023 Ford Bronco badlands edition. Upon ignition a loud bang comes from the speakers. It sounded like a gun went off inside the vehicle. My ears were ringing. Then a loud crackling sound could be heard continuously without going away. I tried to shut off the volume, but the knob didn’t work. I shut down the vehicle and the sound of the crackling still persisted.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2022 GMC Sierra 2500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 98,325. The Carfax report was not available at the time of purchase. The mileage discrepancy was later identified through ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
After starting car, car went into Power Failure mode, warning to immediately stop car, car continued driving, but eventually engaged parking mode and wouldn’t go back into drive mode until I turned it off and back on again.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The vehicle will hesitate incredibly bad when driving in normal mode, when you go to take off from a stop or a rolling stop at a yield sign, the engine and system simply does not engage.It's about a three second delay, and then the vehicle takes off like a rocket, I have also had misfire engine codes that have left me on the side of the road with this vehicle, once you know about the hesitancy of ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
Having to replace the radiator due to it leaking around a plastic connection to metal. Was told by the dealership this has an updated part from GM due to it being a known issue.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
My 2017 Ford Focus is grounded due to the oil pump safety recall involving loss of oil pressure and engine stall. Ford is refusing to provide alternate transportation unless I pay out of pocket. As a result, I am unable to work and have no safe transportation while Ford repairs a known safety defect. I have already missed an entire week of work due to their negligence, and they are unwilling to he... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
Product Type: Child Restraint System – Forward-Facing Issue Type: Structural Failure During Crash Testing Component(s) Involved: Top tether (hook, strap, and vehicle anchor interface) My name is [XXX] and I am writing about my concerns with the results of Cybex Callisto G360's Consumer Report's crash test results. During the multiple forward-facing dynamic crash tests using a Hybrid III 6-year... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
The tailgate control module has been water damaged and needed to be replaced twice. My local Honda dealership was unable to correct the issue and stated that it is due to a water leak in the frame of the vehicle/tailgate. The dealership has identified the tailgate control module as the cause of the electrical issues causing the battery to die, and advanced safety features to malfunction. Warning... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
While operating the vehicle, the steering system suddenly developed a fault with no prior warning. A "Changed Steering Effort" warning appeared on the dashboard, immediately followed by significant resistance in the steering wheel and violent mechanical shuddering/oscillation. This resulted in a sudden, dangerous difficulty in maneuvering the vehicle. Despite the 2024 BMW iX and related models (5... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
My Car Loosing Power The screen is black there is nothing showing on the dashboard this has been happening since August 2025 The SUV accelerate while I am driving or braking even when all of the lane changing and braking systems are turn off this happens often whenever I am driving the vehicle. It feels like someone else is in control of my car
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
It seems that this vehicle was not included in a brake booster recall which included this model from 2005 through 2015. The brakes are not working properly, and brake fluid has entered the master brake cylinder damaging the seal. It is extremely unsafe to operate this vehicle in this condition. Somehow, this vehicle was not included in the recall, but definitely should have been.