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 2, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the oil pump assembly on my 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i. While driving at low speed in normal conditions, a sudden dashboard warning appeared stating: “Engine oil pressure too low — stop carefully.” I immediately pulled over and shut off the engine. My vehicle had been serviced by an authorized BMW dealership less than one week earlier, and no faul... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
I bought this Terrain brand new from Betten Baker Chevrolet in Muskegon Mi in 2019 with 500 miles. That same year we had transmission Slippage causing it to slip out of gear then slam back into gear while driving. I took it to the dealer to have it looked at. They did nothing and informed me it was known by the manufacturer that this was an issue. I then had to bring it back for electrical issues ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
The first indication of problems came when I tried to put the truck in gear and I noticed that the reverse light didn't come on and it wouldn't engage into the gear then as I was traveling down a three-lane highway in the middle lane the car started jerking and like it didn't want to go and then I got to a red light and the truck would not move so I was stuck in the central lane but after engaging... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
Started car and put in reverse. Back up camera stops working mid reversal.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
I have noticed over 30 things wrong with this car. Including but not limited to- the FIRST THINGS I mentioned to the dealership there seems to be apull to the right (suspension/alignment). The car randomly starts driving or feeling 'jerky" as if cruise control has taken over - 'phantom braking' is a term I came across that sounds accurate to me. And now, after having the vehicle for almost 30 da... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
The vehicle shut off and would not start while at a stop light. It is new: under one year old and still within warranty. The error was a “Restart not possible. Drivetrain fault” as shown in the picture. My safety as well as my passenger’s were put at risk due to being in a congested roadway and unable to move. After attempting to restart the system software, I then observed a “High voltage... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Ford on 12/4/25, diagnosed there is a coolant leak into the engine from the spark plugs, coolant was low when towed in and had rough idle. I know there is a class action suit against ford right now for this very problem with the 1.5, 1.6, and 2.0 engines. The vehicle started overheating and check engine light came on. Started showing about a week ago
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
The headlights are fogging up on the inside of headlight with condensation. This problem will lead to two issues. The ability to see at night and I believe the plastic lens will become damaged over time. My friend who has the same type of vehicle including year has the same issue. His vehicle was in a accident. The part for the headlight was $1500. I looked inside the headlight and their ar... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
On November 26, 2025, my 2025 BMW XM experienced complete drivetrain failure while my wife and two children were in a Kansas City parking lot. The vehicle displayed "drivetrain malfunction," would not engage any gear, and was completely inoperable. They were stranded in an unsafe area for 40 minutes awaiting a flatbed tow truck—the only option for this 6,100 lb hybrid. At Baron BMW (Invoice #696... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 3500. The contact stated that upon purchasing and driving the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that it was a new vehicle odor. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the contact noticed clear smoke coming from the vents. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Drove vehicle to work in the morning and had the front and rear defroster on (they turned on automatically due to exterior temperatures when I used autostart on my AcuraLink app). When I got to work, I parked my vehicle and had no issues at that point. But, in the afternoon when I came out to my car the rear window had spontaneously combusted. There were no obvious signs of damage, nothing on the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
My 2019 BMW X7 is under Safety Recall 25V-644 for an overheating/fire-risk defect, but the recall remedy is unavailable. The vehicle has now experienced multiple safety-related failures that appear to be progressing. BMW diagnosed the following failures: • Emergency Call System Malfunction • GPS and maps not working • Failure of the TCB telematics module • Failure of the antenna and TCB ba... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
My 2019 BMW X7 is under Safety Recall 25V-644 for an overheating/fire-risk defect, but the recall remedy is unavailable. The vehicle has now experienced multiple safety-related failures that appear to be progressing. BMW diagnosed the following failures: • Emergency Call System Malfunction • GPS and maps not working • Failure of the TCB telematics module • Failure of the antenna and TCB ba... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
THROTTLE LAG/LURCHING: When pressing the gas pedal at a full stop or pulling into traffic on the expressway the truck hesitates. it doesn't immediately go. This happens often...Transmission should be recalled. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC ON THE EXPRESSWAY
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The lower control arm or axel on the front passenger side broke as I was backing out of a parking spot. It is still at the mechanic however that is what is required to put the wheel back on the vehicle. My understanding is that this is the second time I have had this problem with the lower control arm on this vehicle. That could be very dangerous if that happens while on the highway and I’m con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Hello , I would like to report a failed front differential on my vehicle. This issue was diagnosed by an independent BMW shop and is currently being repaired. Mine made it to 69k miles but many others have had theirs failed before 50k miles. My main goal is to bring light to this issue since it seems to be a design flaw. There's also numerous reports for failed transfer cases since they aren't... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Hello , I would like to report a failed front differential on my vehicle. This issue was diagnosed by an independent BMW shop and is currently being repaired. Mine made it to 69k miles but many others have had theirs failed before 50k miles. My main goal is to bring light to this issue since it seems to be a design flaw. There's also numerous reports for failed transfer cases since they aren't... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
My car is a 2020 Kia sportage with 65,000 miles. We bought it bran new. Since we bought the car we've had problems. We took it to the Kia dealership and they did an oil consumption test. They said the car needed a new engine. Kia cooperation refuses to replace the engine and want us to pay for it because they due to lack of documented oil changes.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed to respond when the brake pedal was pressed. Additionally, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. Both the vehicle and its components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle was ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed to respond when the brake pedal was pressed. Additionally, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. Both the vehicle and its components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle was ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview system became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image flickered, and the message “Camera not Available” was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet availabl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
Was traveling down the road the curtain air bags deployed and filled car with smoke so badly driver couldn’t see and caused him to wreck in a creek it totaled the vehicle and progressive insurance had co-part to pick it up there was no warning that the air bags were going to deploy
Crash
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, the contact became aware that the title was incorrect, and it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of registration, the mileage was 43,000. The contact stated that a Carfax report indicated that the mile... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Three weeks ago the instrument cluster indicated a failure of the front collision avoidance system and said to have the vehicle examined by the dealer. I dropped it off two weeks ago and have been informed that they're having trouble updating the instrument panel and other component software. Other times the instrument panel would go dark for several seconds while driving. There is an open reca... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
Driving in sub-freezing temperatures with snow/rain falling and slush on the road, the headlights iced over with thick slush and ice and reduced visibility to dangerous levels requiring me to pull off the road and chip off the ice putting myself in a dangerous situation being on the side of the road during a storm.
Incident date: May 22, 2025
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the seatbelt, airbag, and occupant detection system in my 2019 BMW 430i. At the time of purchase, the vehicle’s software had not been updated since 2018. Because the software was so outdated, multiple safety-related fault codes did not appear during the dealer’s pre-sale inspection or during initial diagnostic checks. During a later service a... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the seatbelt, airbag, and occupant detection system in my 2019 BMW 430i. At the time of purchase, the vehicle’s software had not been updated since 2018. Because the software was so outdated, multiple safety-related fault codes did not appear during the dealer’s pre-sale inspection or during initial diagnostic checks. During a later service a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
I am reporting repeated coolant system failures and overheating on my 2019 BMW X3 . I have had 4 coolant-related repairs in under 3 years, including the coolant reservoir boiling after service. Most recently, the problem recurred despite prior repairs. This is a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with warranty history, and I believe this is a systemic engine/cooling defect that poses a risk of engine fai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
I am reporting repeated coolant system failures and overheating on my 2019 BMW X3 . I have had 4 coolant-related repairs in under 3 years, including the coolant reservoir boiling after service. Most recently, the problem recurred despite prior repairs. This is a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with warranty history, and I believe this is a systemic engine/cooling defect that poses a risk of engine fai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The vehicle comes with a panoramic sunroof and there is a ~8inch wide piece of glass that is between the windshield and the sunroof. While driving on the highway, at approximately 80mph, with no other cars or hazards in front of the vehicle, this piece of glass shattered. We heard a loud popping sound, immediately followed by shattering/cracking noises. It was not struck by any rocks or debris. Af... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The "Service Airbag - Passenger" warning light suddenly appeared on the console of my 2014 Buick Enclave. Once I arrived home, I Googled what the light indicated and I also sorted through mail I had recently received from Buick that notified me of a recall. Convinced that I needed to resolve the issue promptly, I contacted the dealership we purchased the vehicle from and they informed me to come ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair and stated that since the vehicle was manufactured in Canada, the recall repair could not be performed. The manufacturer was not made ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
I was driving my car on a city street when it all of sudden stopped. The car died without warning. I was about to complete a left hand turn into a shopping center parking lot. Thankfully there was not traffic headed towards me at the time or my son and I could have been hit. There wasn't any traffic nearby behind me. Should there have been, we likely would have been struck from the rear.The way th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that a recall repair for the battery was previously completed in 2023. The contact called a dealer and the manufacturer and was advised that the remedy was not yet available and to follow the instructions not to park the vehicle near any structures or... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
while stopped in traffic on a freeway in fast lane, the vehicle was in the "stop/go" mode. When I pressed the accelerator, the engine failed to start. On multiple attempts engine would not start and I could smell electrical burn. The CHP was on site and we attempted to push the car to the side and out of the fast lane. However, since the engine would not start, there was no way to shift the ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I am writing regarding my vehicle, a 2021 Kia Seltos LX - VIN Number [XXX] , which is subject to a recall NHTSA #25V099, Manufacturer Recall Number SC336. I was informed of the recall April 2025 and have since experienced engine stalling while driving on the highway with my young children with me, abnormal engine noise, complete oil loss and eventually complete engine failure. Unfortunately, thi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
We had snow this afternoon and my wife drove the car home from work. We live on a private road and have a steep driveway. I had her park the car in the road while I plowed the driveway. There was only 1-2” of snow on the ground. My wife existed the car. It appeared to be off and in park meaning the engine was not running and the car sat still on a grade. In hindsight, I should have had her... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Carrier bearing failure Dana premature spicer glued in carrier bearing. Caused several vibration.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The vehicle's central locking system does not properly communicate with the keyfob resulting in the doors not unlocking as intended. I have had my child in the car seat in the back and if i accidentantly touch the handle the wrong way the doors will lock and I am unable to use the unlock feature to get my kid out. This could be a serious safety issue if someone becomes trapped in the rear seat and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal audible alarm was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the abnormal sound was more frequent during inclement weathe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
Upon backing the Kia out of my driveway the brakes failed completly. Upon removing the brake line shield I found extensive corrosion of the brake line resulting in a massive fluid loss. There is a Voluntary Service Campaign by Kia Motors for this issue. But, it only pertains to automobiles driven in high road salt usage states. I live on the coast of Alabama where the air is laden with salt. In fa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
On 11/24/25 I gave permission to my friend to drive my 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander SUV from my house to Newark international airport, while my friend was driving my 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander SUV on a New Jersey Turnpike , the vehicle suddenly dropped the speed and within moments caught fire. I live in Pennsylvania, but the incident occurred on New Jersey Turnpike . The fire started while the c... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Vehicle does had a hard time starting and now does not start. Research indicates this is a known problem on this vehicle but my vehicle doesn’t seem to be included in the recall The main recall for the Lexus RC200t is due to a failing low-pressure fuel pump, which can cause the engine to stall while driving.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
I bought the car 2 yrs ago come April and it's had nothing but issues. I've had one recall did which was the knock sensor however now the check engine is on and it's smelling like rubber my brakes are wearing like an eraser and my engine just feels sluggish. The code is p0420 which from what I understand is a catlic converter and I read online there is a recall for that with kia . I've spent a lot... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The vehicle displayed a warning on the dash that the battery was not charging properly and vehicle may stall. The vehicle was checked at dealership and issue was disregarded. 3 days later the vehicle showed the same warning and the battery light flickered, there was a chane in the power and lights dimmed. This was evaluated by dealership, apparently it is a known issue but no resolution available.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
Airbag Clock spring has failed in my 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The airbag dash light is now on and the whole steering wheel system no longer functions properly. I see there was a documented recall for this year/model. It’s not showing on my VIN. The clock spring has failed in my vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal from a complete stop, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors and spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred approximately 5 years later while accelerating from a complete sto... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
I have a faulty coolant temperature sensor or thermostat in which the fan is running loudly and temperature gauge is not working