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: Oct 22, 2025
Dashboard not attached to frame. Clips intended to attach dashboard to frame are defective (cracked in half). Air bags may be affected (either won't deploy or will deploy on their own). Service Dept. at Ford dealership says this is the first case they've seen and repairing it would cost $$$. This vehicle has been regularly maintained and has 0 history of accidents. It is unknown if this defec... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
engine light stays on. had it looked at by mechanic. told the issue is the valtronic actuator. car cuts off when idling. starts back up and drives, when I come to a stop light/stop sign car cuts off again. have contacted BMW North America and a dealership, keep getting the runaround. refer me back to each to contact.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The latest version of Tesla FSD software does not let me fully control my speed. You can switch profiles or stop using Full Self-Driving, but you cannot set the speed to what you want. In the last version, you could use the right scroll wheel to increase or decrease the speed. Now that shifts profiles but even that does not give you control over what exact speed you are driving
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
I purchased my Accord Sport Hybrid in October 2022. Within several months and intermittently thereafter, I would receive an alert to BRAKE on my dashboard--and most of the time, there would be no object in front of the vehicle. In the last 3 years since the purchase, there have been one or two times when the alert appeared and the vehicle actually slowed down spontaneously--much to my surprise. I ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
Yesterday 4pm try to park my car at infront of grage door i have been slow down with touch break pedal. But this car won't stop at all so this car hit home grage door and and side stone decorations.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
On 11/01/2025, while traveling on the highway traveling at a speed of 80mph, my vehicle suddenly would not accelerate beyond 60 mph. I managed to exit safely, but this created a dangerous situation for both me, my daughter and other motorists . The next day, Firestone inspected the vehicle and informed me the engine contained zero oil—yet no oil light, check-engine light, temperature warning, o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
While slowing for traffic, I was struck in the rear by a large pickup. On impact, the driver seat broke, causing the whole seat to tilt back to more than 45 degrees backwards tilt. This caused me to impact the seat at a greater impact than I would have had if the seat remained in place. The seat being in that position after the impact, made it so I could not reach the pedals (brakes) to stop the v... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Currently on the newest Tesla Full Self Driving software v14.1.4, it is phantom breaking as well as phantom swearing out of nowhere. It is swerving and using the breaks so hard it actually affects the steering wheel and self disengages it's self (without the big-loud safety alert to immediately take over control), it just does the soft disengage audio notification, like if you wanted to cancel FSD... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may be separating, which is causing my vehicle to continually fall out of alignment. This ongoing issue is leading to accelerated tire wear, despite the fact that I have not driven many miles. The manufacturer needs to address the underlying cause, as the dealership continues to recommend alignments without resolving the root p... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
Initially in May 25, my Sportage started accelerating on its own, unprompted, up to 4500 RPMs many times and also hesitated. In 6/25 the info screen, (whole dash) went black 4-5 x’s for about 3minutes while driving 60 mph on bypass. Beginning of July, Siri didn’t work and said it was inaccessible, and also the navigation said it was not updated however, when I pulled into the dealer, all of a ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
On 09/16/25, I was exiting the Florida turnpike onto Sawgrass Highway via the exit ramp on exit 71. As I decelerated from 60 MPH to 35 MPH to match the speed of the exit ramp, I was in the left most lane in the two-lane exit ramp. My car spun out and I lost control of the vehicle, which caused the vehicle to spin through the two lanes of the ramp several times and ended up drifting onto the edge o... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
On 09/16/25, I was exiting the Florida turnpike onto Sawgrass Highway via the exit ramp on exit 71. As I decelerated from 60 MPH to 35 MPH to match the speed of the exit ramp, I was in the left most lane in the two-lane exit ramp. My car spun out and I lost control of the vehicle, which caused the vehicle to spin through the two lanes of the ramp several times and ended up drifting onto the edge o... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
I was driving my 2023 Toyota Tundra when the engine shutdown while going 55mph, the speed limit. Truck shutdown as I approached a long, curvy hill, felt like I was in great danger and any vehicles around me. There was no warning, had no idea what was going on. Took vehicle to dealership, after 24 hours I went back to dealership to check on it. Was told they didn’t look at it because they knew th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
vehicle did not restart when using the auto start stop feature at a red light.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
the CMBS activated when driving when no other vehicle was in front of my vehicle. the car came to a stop.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
The low-pressure fuel temperature/pressure sensor failed internally, causing diesel fuel to intrude via capillary action into the engine wiring harness and ultimately contaminate the Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE) control unit (ECU). The failed components (sensor, harness, DDE) are available for inspection upon request at BMW of Loveland, CO. My safety was put at risk in two primary ways: Engi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
The low-pressure fuel temperature/pressure sensor failed internally, causing diesel fuel to intrude via capillary action into the engine wiring harness and ultimately contaminate the Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE) control unit (ECU). The failed components (sensor, harness, DDE) are available for inspection upon request at BMW of Loveland, CO. My safety was put at risk in two primary ways: Engi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that after refueling, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The odor was more pronounced while the vehicle was parked in the garage, and the garage was filled with a gasoline odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with a failure of the high-pr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
I am reporting a recurring safety issue with my 2023 BMW i4 (VIN: [XXX] ), currently at 28,426 miles. The vehicle has experienced three separate incidents of unexpected and complete loss of power while driving. The first incident occurred in March 2025. The vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without warning and came to an immediate hard stop. I was later informed this was related to a wheel-pos... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
IN NOVEMBER AROUND THE 20TH -BATTERY WENT DEAD-CHARGED BATTERY AND TOOK VEHICLE TO BROTHERS AND STARTED TO SHIFT FUNNY-BATTERY WENT DEAD AGAIN-CHARGED AND DROVE HOME -THEN WENT GOT NEW BATTERY -PUT IN AND IT WOULD NOT SHIFT RIGHT SO DROVE IT A LITTLE WHILE TO SEE IF IT WOULD STOP MADE NOISE AND TAKEN TO GARAGE IN SOUTH WAYNE-TOLD US SAID THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHOT-HE HAULED IT TO DUBUQUE IOWA TRANS... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Infotainment stopped working, no backup cam no safety features working
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Infotainment stopped working, no backup cam no safety features working
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
When using the backseat armrest and cup holders, if you have a hot coffee, to go, from let’s say Starbucks, no matter the size, it will come out of the cup holder in certain turns, when the car is moving. It’s spilled multiple times on my kids and a friend, who had scalding on their hands. This is very unsafe and the cup holders need to be deeper, they are very shallow, to hold to go cups, eve... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding the recall work performed on my 2011 BMW 528i for the VANOS bolt safety recall. The recall notice stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive until repaired. I arranged towing to Jackie Cooper BMW in Edmond, Oklahoma because of this safety warning. The dealership performed the recall repair and released the vehicle back to me. Immediately after picking it up, the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding the recall work performed on my 2011 BMW 528i for the VANOS bolt safety recall. The recall notice stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive until repaired. I arranged towing to Jackie Cooper BMW in Edmond, Oklahoma because of this safety warning. The dealership performed the recall repair and released the vehicle back to me. Immediately after picking it up, the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
2017 Ford Edge, front axle and ball joint had to be replaced around 33K- still under extended warranty.. Now same or opposite ball joint /axle making click/ ping at 43K no longer under warranty, cant tell left or right axle/ball joint. Will have to take it in to ford at Melbourne Fl at personal expense.. Probably next month...
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
My 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 frequently disconnects from the network while driving. When this happens, multiple vehicle systems stop working as intended. The built-in GPS begins to drift or shows incorrect vehicle position, making navigation unreliable and unsafe. Other connected features (such as driver attention and traffic signs alerts) also fail or freeze. This issue occurs repeatedly, often withou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
The 2nd row seats are malfunctioning, sliding up and folding while the car is moving. The button at the top of the seat seems to be getting stuck. There is a whole forum about this issue, with years of reports but never seems to be a recall - this is a SERIOUS safety issue: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
A dangerous and unpredictable braking issue has plagued my brand-new SUV (under 5,000 miles). On multiple occasions, the brakes have engaged suddenly and without warning while driving, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly in the middle of the road. This creates a hazardous situation with the potential for rear-end collisions, putting my family at risk and causing back pain to my passengers. The sa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The contact owned a 2010 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while her partner was driving at 30 MPH, he crashed into a vehicle due to his vision being obstructed by the sun. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's partner was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where he was treated for whiplash, a cervical strain on his hips, and pain in his right side of his ribs. The other driv... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
See attached document for complaint. I am writing in reference to the recall on my 2013 BMW-328xi. The vin number is. The recall is for the water pump electrical connector. My water pump failed May 2024. I went to an independent repair service center that specializes in BMW repair, which in turn was the closest service center to where the vehicle broke down. I paid out of pocket for the repair. N... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
Date of Incident: 11/09/2025 • Location: I-30 near Cumby, TX (towed to Audi Fort Worth). Daughter was stranded on busy highway in middle of nowhere. Texas State Police came to her aid and helped w tow truck which cost $650. Engine catastrophically failed at ~50k + miles due to metal shavings throughout oil — Audi Fort Worth made the statement and I have picture of metal shavings. Which is th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Car’s advertised anti-theft features are faulty. They have two tracking features with also both failed. When I contacted Acura they said this was a known issue and highly prevalent in NY, DC, FL, MD. Cars computer is cloneable and it takes less than 3 minutes to enter and steal without keys or breaking windows or enabling alarms.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Defective airbag wiring harness for the passenger seat. The car is giving a warning; it has never been in any accident. The dealer refuses to cover repair expenses.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The rear vision camera deactivated itself when the park assist system is turned off. No image is provided to the driver. This makes it harder to see what is behind the vehicle when reversing and could lead to an accident. This can occur in the middle of a reversing event.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
a concern regarding my BMW x5 it’s a 2019 x50i it’s my only vehicle that I have to get to and from work and drive my family around. I have been having starting issues at random times I can go a week no issues than randomly. My vehicle doesn’t want to start. Also, I have engine codes that are the same ones that apply to other recalls my starter is my main concern because it is an unsafe situ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine running, the engine was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
When braking, and decelerating through 25 to 20 MPH, the brakes temporarily stop functioning. There is a noticeable change in deceleration that can be felt by the driver AND passengers. This almost feels like an acceleration, but we believe it's the brakes briefly stop functioning. The same problem occurs with different drivers so we are confident the problem is mechanical and not operator dep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
Car was sputtering and didn’t idle right, engine light came on and took it to Nissan dealership-they replaced egr valve gasket, exhaust gas recirculating, air filter and did 2 recalls. Then 2 days later the car didn’t want to start and had clouds of white smoke coming out of exhaust. Took back to dealership today and was told I need a new motor-coolant was leaking into cylinder 4. My car onl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 BMW 750E. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the high-voltage system warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle a short distance, and then the drive train warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning instructed the contact to contact the local service center. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The dea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2025
We noticed the "battery" indicator light was lit, so we changed the battery. That addressed the light, but soon it lit up again, followed by an overheated engine warning so we stopped and called for a tow to Puente Hills Jeep. We were informed it was a pulley so it was replaced along with the serpentine belt. Soon after receiving the vehicle, it started smoking, and it appeared it was catching fir... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Truck cut out going across the road almost got hit due to the vehicle stalling then about a mile down the road the check engine light came on parked it took it to my mechanic and after the incident it was throwing a cylinder misfire code. Cylinder one when the mechanic got in there was completely shot and I had to have a new motor. No warning no lights could have potentially caused a major acciden... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X6. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the drivetrain message was displayed. Overtime, the contact stated that the vehicle either failed to start or was slow to start while depressing the START/STOP button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the starter was replaced; however, a month later, the drivetrain message returned. Additionally, the contact state... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while slowing down and coming to a stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed while in drive; however, the vehicle started to roll backwards. The contact depressed the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards, and the RPM became elevated to 5,000 RPM. The contact immediately turned off the vehicle to prevent ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
I went to Lakeland bmw, for my recall, they only put a shield up for the recall instead of changing out my water pump which was draining my battery. Now they are trying to charge me for a whole water pump installation even after I informed them that it was supposed to be changed out when I came in for a the recall due too it causing a battery drain.