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: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine was misfiring, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the spark plug,s but the failure persisted. Later, while driving, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the coo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
The airbag system failed to deploy during a collision. The vehicle is currently in not my possession. The airbag control module, sensors, and airbags themselves can be inspected to determine the cause of non-deployment. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was put at significant risk because the airbags did not deploy during the impact. This increased the potentia... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
drivetrain lights came on out of no where. i was coming to a red light and when car stopped the light on dash came on and message came on for drivetrain malfunction. Car was turned off and on and message went away. Car was brought to dealer and they were able to diagnose saying 3 injector problem and need to replace cylinder head. Was told this a problem with the new V8 engines. can be dangerous i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
I am writing to formally request a review of my vehicle’s eligibility for Recall N212332040. I own a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, which is currently not listed under the affected vehicles for this recall. However, based on the recall description and the symptoms outlined, I believe my vehicle experienced related issues and should be considered for inclusion. While driving down the highway my vehicle ex... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain, resulting in damage to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
My vehicle was stolen. Dent on right back fender . Footage needs to be pulled from Gull Aire Village 34677. Witness was [XXX] . First dent. Sunpass has image. Reported to CLWR pd. Accident photos sent. Not same car. Allstate Insurance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
I have contacted Volkswagen about my recall over a month ago the man claimed he ordered the parts and would be in contact but has never contacted me ever since and since then my vehicle has completely stopped working and the gas smell is at a very dangerous level
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
I bought the car 8 months ago from Fred Anderson Acura in Greenville was told the car was inspected and serviced and I’m was in great condition. 8 months later I have 10 thousand worth safety issues wrong with the car that I have to fix .
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
I bought the car 8 months ago from Fred Anderson Acura in Greenville was told the car was inspected and serviced and I’m was in great condition. 8 months later I have 10 thousand worth safety issues wrong with the car that I have to fix .
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
The steering wheel shakes a high speeds over 70 on highways . I’ve had it in and have had the steering wheel replaced . Another time the dealer thought it was the “death wobble” then said they didn’t find anything wrong but said it was a problem with the battery making the car heavy . This problem was not occurring previously and I drive this car every day. It does not feel right or normal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
The ABS Module, part 68228991AD in the 2014 Ram 1500 has failed on my truck and in a large number of vehicles i have found on Ram Truck forums. The failure of this part is impacting multiple systems in my truck and and has made those systems inoperable including ABS, stability control, trailer brake control, cruise control, and potentially others. I don't understand why a recall for this prob... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
My 2015 BMW 320 is having a performance issue. After I diagnosed this is due to corrosion on the wastegate actuator and has failed. The bushing and part corroded and the rod is dangling. This should be covered by the extended warranty on the part as it’s a known defect failure by BMW
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
I was riding on a suburban street and ran over a branch I did not see due to rain and darkness. I went back and looked at the incident and the branch did not seem like it was that big but I quickly lost power and my car stalled and I could not get it restarted. I later found out that that branch took out my hybrid battery connection under the car which rendered the car useless. It is a 5000 fix. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
The vehicle shakes at low speeds with a jolt and vibration when turning. When I pressed the accelerator from a standstill, the gas pedal broke off from its floor mounted bracket.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
The vehicle shakes at low speeds with a jolt and vibration when turning. When I pressed the accelerator from a standstill, the gas pedal broke off from its floor mounted bracket.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Steering wheel pops / clicks when turned 15-20° from the center in either direction.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
There is an interment issue where the vehicle fails to accelerate from a stop when accelerator is applied. This issue is present in my current vehicle and my previous 2023 tundra. I have brought up concerns to the dealer and manufacturer and am told every time that the concern cannot be duplicated, but I feel that it is going to lead to a crash not only for me but other owners
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the instrument panel failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (Electrical Sy... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
ALL SAFETY FEATURE WARNING ALERTS (3) OF THEM, SINCE IT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO CHECK ALL THAT APPLY THEY ARE THE FOLLOWING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING, BLIND SPOT WARNING NOT WORKING, FORWARD COLLISON DETECTION NOT WORKING, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING NOT WORKING, LANE KEEPING ASSISTANCE NOT WORKING, PARKING COLLISION WARNING NOT WORKING REAR CROSS TRAFFIC WARNING NOT WORKING.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Unknown . The safety recall is extremely dangerous and I drive my child around. This is unacceptable and very unavoidable by providing a remedy or give me a new car. This is not my fault and my life and my family’s lives are in danger.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Unknown . The safety recall is extremely dangerous and I drive my child around. This is unacceptable and very unavoidable by providing a remedy or give me a new car. This is not my fault and my life and my family’s lives are in danger.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Severe rust on frame, both sides. Mechanic refused to do service until rust situation is remediated. Said vehicle is unsafe to drive!
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the fuel mileage abnormally increased from 320 to approximately 431. An unknown message was displayed, and the contact received a notification on the Mobile App about a diagnostic trouble code for the EVAP sensor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the EVAP system ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. In addition, the contact stated that the parts for the recall repair had been unavailable for more than a year. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
On October 21st I had a recall performed at Evansville D- Patrick for a 37M2 shift lever micro switch. Today Nov 5th I was leaving work, pulling out of the drive onto highway and once I got on the road the car lost motion and just rolled. Barely made it across the highway. I got across the street into another lot. Turned car off and back on. You can hear the throttle but tires would not move. It ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The warning lights for many areas has come on without warning. The car runs and drives fine. Took it to Honda. They want between 500 - 2500 to resolve the issue and replace the front radar. This appears to be a consistent problem for these 2018 Hondas. I already had to have the fuel injectors replaced at 48k miles. Another common Honda problem. Please help us as consumers
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
I had just merged onto the highway and was in the left lane that was ending ahead. As soon as I switched lanes traffic came to a stop. I slammed on the brakes and the truck came to a complete stop before impact. Then with my foot still on the brake pedal the truck lurched forward making impact with the vehicle in front of me. I believe that the defective brake HCU failure caused the ABS system to ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Passenger seat occupancy sensor faulty causing restraint system malfunction and seat belt warning
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Passenger seat occupancy sensor faulty causing restraint system malfunction and seat belt warning
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
Purchased my 2015 escape in Aug. of 2023 used knowing that the head gaskets needed to be replaced. Took it to a certified mechanic and had everything fixed on it. Fast forward to October of 2024 - Transmission went out had to purchase a brand new transmission had it installed at the certified mechanic. Then in July of 2025 all of the sudden it overheated. Took it back to the same mechanic and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
Know issue by ford company defective torque converter with service report bulletins for recommended fix’s for there transmission shuddering 20mph to 35mph..failing under @ 83,000 miles. Ford has an open class action lawsuit. And is stiffing people with extremely high repair bill. On average 7,000 to fix. Something needs to be done about this please
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
My Honda vehicle experienced a blown head gasket at approximately 123,000 miles, despite being properly maintained according to the manufacturer’s service schedule. This is a known and recurring issue in this engine type, which has been the subject of numerous consumer complaints and a pending class action lawsuit alleging a design defect that causes premature head gasket failure. The engine fai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Car wouldn't start anymore, starter malfunction. couldnt go into neutral
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Car wouldn't start anymore, starter malfunction. couldnt go into neutral
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
These parts are still unavailable. This should be a class action lawsuit.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the turbocharger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
High oil consumption leading to costly repairs outside of warranty.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that the Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) Malfunction message was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 4 times due to the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
One cell in the Hybrid Battery failed causing the car to go into safety mode. Battery assistance to the engine stopped and gas engine was the only source of power. Was told the car could be a fire hazard in this condition and required repairing the hybrid system.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
I purchased this vehicle in December of 2024 at 37 miles on the car. The car shut down three times on me due to electrical issue, but the dealership said it was the battery and the electric, i have invoices for all of the visits. i didnt feel safe driving the vehicle so i let the car sit and rented through Turo. Recently in October, there was a loud squeek sound and vibration coming from my brake,... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
All of the door handles and locks have loosened and fallen off. Sliding door will not latch now. Hatch on rear has lost suspension.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
Oil consumption is uneven, unpredictable, and has been a problem for at least 30,000 miles and since 2020. The car has ~74k miles on it and I carry a case of oil in the trunk. A couple years ago our catalytic converter clogged (I suspect from burning oil) and we were stuck on the roadside. Dealer replaced the catalytic converter under the power train warranty, but has not addressed the oil beyond ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact works for a company that owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while his boss was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a station. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front trans-axle had disintegrated, causing the shaft to pinch and t... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
Headlight Brightness - it's been degrading for the last 10 yrs to the point that I don't feel safe driving in the dark anymore. I've already had the lenses buffed out, but that only helped about 20%. The brightness looks like I have a dead battery (it's brand new). Not sure if this is a bulb or lens issue but it's not safe.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the backup camera initially projected three lines at the bottom of the screen, distorting the driver’s vision. The contact stated that over time, the camera displayed a blank or distorted image, and the message "Camera Not Accessible" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the backup camera was reset... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
A towing company came to pick up the car. They may have damaged the carriage/axel based on the tire mark they left on our drive way. The lines were not straight and it looks like they dragged the car.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
A towing company came to pick up the car. They may have damaged the carriage/axel based on the tire mark they left on our drive way. The lines were not straight and it looks like they dragged the car.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
2020 Sante fe with 59000 miles on it. Air stops blowing cold, I look it up and there is a TSB for the Evaporator Temperature Sensor from May of 2021. This is a safety issue because if you run the air conditioning or defroster if the sensor is bad it clicks off the compressor which can affect the fan and overheat the car. I watched it happen on my car when they ran the diagnostic trying to fix it. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
My oil pump went out causing Low pressure codes and resulting in me paying over 2 grand to get it repaired, They super seeded the oil pump they used to use with a new one and theirs many other reports online etc of the 2020 bmw m340 oil pump going out due to plastic internals which can lead to engine failure .