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: Jun 5, 2025
I had submitted last year a complaint about my vehicles head gasket being blown. Had to take a loan out to replace it and the turbo . Now a year later the head gasket failed again which shouldn’t have since I’ve been on top of maintenance. My vehicle is a 2018 Honda accord 1.5T .
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
My coolant line overheated. From the leaking water pump and pcv that exploded all over my engine causing it to overheat and now how has not turned back on. Ive been without a car for months and when I seen the recall and reached out to the dealer expressing my situation they said they would get back to me and have not called or emailed or even responded in months.
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Without any notice, I lost my power steering while driving. The wheel jerked to the side, and when I corrected I realized that I no longer had power steering. I was still able to "steer" my vehicle, but not without brute force. If it were someone of lesser ability (e.g. elderly) it may have led to a devastating outcome. I have yet to get the issue diagnosed, as it just happened yesterday, but ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Rear brake lights work when locking and unlocking van however the passenger brake light does not work when pushing the brake pedal to stop van
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
Steering has been sticking when making turns.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
Tire Pressure Monitor failure intermittently reported while driving. The error lights up on the dashboard. Sometimes the TMP resets without my resetting the system. I took the car to the dealer and was told nothing is wrong with the system. The dealer told me to drive the car more frequently. This has happened over the last several years. Driver's door intermittently fails to lock and/or will no... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The rear back up camera is now displaying a message to contact dealership. It freezes up and stops working.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
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 part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2017
Car will just brake on the highway with out warning. Cruise control will just randomly change speeds. I was traveling on an overpass and speed dropped to 35 then jumped to 60mph.
Incident date: May 9, 2017
*2005 BMW K1200s ABS Power Brake system became and is Intermittent. Is available for inspection. Dealer owner and mechanic stated they were unaware of any said BMW ABS problems * On my birthday , Riding my motorcycle approximately 40mph, no indicator light on, no prier symptoms existed and unaware that the ABS Power Brake system was (off) not operating and as I needed to slow down, the system allo... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The engine and turbo system failed in my 2017 Infiniti Q50 Signature Edition (VIN [XXX] ). The vehicle remains at CarMax Naperville, where it has been since March 2025. Internal repair orders show CarMax performed two failed inspections in August 2020 before selling the vehicle as “CarMax Certified” on September 3, 2020. The vehicle should not have passed certification. Shortly after purchasi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
While accelerating car jerks at times. At time car will go in limp mode I’ll have to safely try to get to side of road turn car off. Restart and continue driving. I’ve changed spark plugs, coil packs, turbo, fuel injectors, fuel pump and battery. I continue to put money into my car and nothing helps.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
Failed components 1. oil pump $8769.41 2. Cylinder Head Assembly- Valve Cover $4280.83 3. center console control panel $3051.93 4. transfer case replacement TBD 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i has multiple major component failures at 70,000 miles. Oil pump failed causing loss of oil-level monitoring. The cylinder head assembly was diagnosed with oil consumption, the transfer case exhibited driveline shudder... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
Failed components 1. oil pump $8769.41 2. Cylinder Head Assembly- Valve Cover $4280.83 3. center console control panel $3051.93 4. transfer case replacement TBD 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i has multiple major component failures at 70,000 miles. Oil pump failed causing loss of oil-level monitoring. The cylinder head assembly was diagnosed with oil consumption, the transfer case exhibited driveline shudder... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
On the evening of October 29, 2025, my 2025 Lexus RX 450h+ suffered two complete electrical failures within a few hours. The vehicle lost all power and became totally unresponsive — no lights, sounds, or electrical function. During the first failure, both of my young children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] were trapped inside because the doors would not unlock or open manually from the inside or outsid... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving over 45 MPH, the Lane Departure and Blind Spot features deactivated unintendedly. The message that the system was deactivated was displayed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximate... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
The daytime running lights (DRLs) on my Ford F-150 failed and it is clear from online research that they are prone to failure. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The failure of the DRLs put safety at risk because they are important for visibility, protecting the driver and pedestrians. A dealership confirmed the issue. No, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or any... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Vehicle was taken to Nissan to perform "initial remedy" recall P5A22 on 10/24/25 to address recall R24B2. Vehicle was taken from dealer and was driving on 10/27/2025 and experienced a dramatic slow down/turtle mode with "Service EV System Power Reduced" error message.
Incident date: May 29, 2025
Recently took vehicle for alignment for a pull to the right. After 3 alignments at the dealership I was told the rack and pinion gear sensor shorted out causing the vehicle to pull to the right. Also the exhaust has a rattle in the resonator confirmed by 2 sources. I asked the dealer to fix years ago under bumper to bumper and tsb PIT5863. I was told not enough techs and not enough time so no... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after cold starting the vehicle, the transmission hesitated and then shifted into the next gear with a bump. The contact stated that once the engine had warmed up, the transmission shifted normally. The contact stated that recently, while stopped at a traffic light, after the light changed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Recreational Momentum RV. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the RV frame flexed. The contact stated that when the RV was loaded, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the screws to the bedroom slide out were detaching. Neither an RV dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
at speeds around 50-65 mph my truck dropped down to first gear, this shook me and my passenger as you can imagine. It was a none safety recall in 2019 that I have missed as this was around the time I bought this truck. I paid for the repair myself not knowing Campaign 19N01
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
I have taken my vehicle to the Acura service department three times for this issue. Each time, they were unable to find a fault code or permanent fix. They have repositioned the front camera and removed an Acura sticker from the windshield, but the problem continues to occur at random. The service department said diagnostic tests show no error, yet the system still triggers false collision warnin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
BMW N63 Engine Powertrain Issues 2012 535i The N63 engine, utilized in various BMW models including the 2012 535i, has been subject to multiple customer complaints regarding premature timing chain wear and other powertrain-related issues. This led BMW to introduce a "Customer Care Package," detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) B110614, to address the concerns reported by multiple owners an... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
BMW N63 Engine Powertrain Issues 2012 535i The N63 engine, utilized in various BMW models including the 2012 535i, has been subject to multiple customer complaints regarding premature timing chain wear and other powertrain-related issues. This led BMW to introduce a "Customer Care Package," detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) B110614, to address the concerns reported by multiple owners an... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was provided with error codes related to the failure. The vehicle was then towed to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
Rear backup camera works intermittently. Can be backing up and viewing screen goes dark. Original equipment, no damage to automobile. Has been malfunctioning for several months now.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for maintenance, and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed. The contact showed the independent mechanic the receipt for when the vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
When driving the vehicle's instrument panel cluster randomly goes blank. When it does so, all of the items related to speed control, lighting, turn signals, etc. become non-operational. Additionally, the driver has no idea what his/her speed is nor any other information about the operation of the vehicle. It is very unsafe.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
My 2019 x3 model has been leaking coolant from multiple places. I have already needed to replace the water pump at my mechanic and now there's an additional coolant leak and the radiator and radiator hoses are affected and may need replacement. My dealer has not reported this issue yet and no recall has been declared for my type of vehicle, but I cannot afford to fix this issue out of pocket and i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Sunroof sunshade snagged on a plastic plate that is attached to the underside of the roof, between the sunroof and the panoramic glass over the back seat. it is a cosmetic element. The plastic plate is held to the roof with pins and double stick adhesive pads. The adhesive on the pads failed causing the plastic plate to drop away from the roof, held by the plastic pins. On closing the sunroof the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who indicated that a coolant pressure test was needed. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the front an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The transfer case in my BMW X7 began making grinding, jerking, shuttering around 65,000 miles. The dealer failed to diagnose the issue at that time when I brought it in at 71,000. (approximately $9,000–$10,000). Transfer cases "should be" designed to last well over 150,000miles. Maybe my car was a lemon but it seems to be a common theme/legal suite for BMW X7 owner.s This issue connitued cau... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that DTC: P0004 was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was scheduled to be performed. The contact was asked to provide the maintenance history on the vehicle. The contact was unable to provide the docume... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
I had my car being repaired for a car accident I had on [XXX]. A piece of tire on the highway [XXX] went underneath the middle frame of my car. I picked up the car from the repair shop here in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, [XXX]. Beginning on the same day, I had a "check engine" light appear on my dashboard. On Sunday,; I went to my local Auto Zone store. They informed me that their test resu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
In early 2024 the parking aids failed. Then the heater air conditioning buttons. Now the voice commands, Navigation and back up camera have failed. No accidents resulted , but this ia a large car and when shifting from reverse to drive screen remains blank.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced complete engine failure at 241,433 miles on August 7, 2025. The failure aligns with known safety defect symptoms described under NHTSA Recall Campaign 15V568000 and 17V226000, which cite premature bearing wear due to metal debris during engine manufacturing. My vehicle had previously received the knock sensor update under Campaign T3G and failed th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Vehicle continues to have lighting and electrical issues. Particularly, the left rear turn signal. I’ve repaired it 5 times and it burns out immediately. Dealer assured me they would find issue. Still burned out next day again. Notified dealership and they just want you to keep bringing it back but won’t issue a recall despite the plethora of complaints online about the same issue.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The battery in my vehicle continuously dies, leaving me stranded on multiple occasions. This has been occurring since 2024 consistently. In January I had it towed to the dealership since every time I jump the battery, it charges it which in turn causes it to pass their battery test. Since I had it towed while the battery was dead they told me that the battery test failed so I purchased a new batte... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
My 2011 BMW 550i experienced an unexpected fire in my driveway while my wife and I were sleeping. The fire nearly caused our house to catch fire and also resulted in damage to my BMW Z4. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with someone regarding this matter. For your reference, the last seven digits of my VIN are [XXX] . You can reach me at [XXX] or via email at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACT... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
My 2011 BMW 550i experienced an unexpected fire in my driveway while my wife and I were sleeping. The fire nearly caused our house to catch fire and also resulted in damage to my BMW Z4. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with someone regarding this matter. For your reference, the last seven digits of my VIN are [XXX] . You can reach me at [XXX] or via email at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACT... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Wire harness need to be replaces car is under 100k miles and the same issue has been recalled cla250 gla models with the same engine. Current model GLE is not under recall but has the same issue with the electrical issue “oil pump vavle connector fault” which cause engine light .
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
Auto tailgate would open and shut on its own, the rear tailgate button stopped working and then only the interior switch would work, Then after a month, the tailgate would not open and switch shorted out. Seems very similar issue as other chevys with water intrusion.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
My car was less than a year old, had been at the dealership for routine maintenance on September 24th, and with no warning signals from the vehicle's electronics smoke started coming out from the hood while I was ~20 minutes into my drive to work. Within a short period of time there were flames, and ultimately the car was engulfed in flames, resulting in a total loss.
Fire
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
My 2015 BMW 328i xDrive (VIN [XXX] ) experienced an engine-compartment fire that began shortly after coolant sprayed from the front of the vehicle. This incident occurred before BMW’s official recall announcement for NHTSA Campaign 24V-608 / BMW 24V-608:474 (Safety: Engine Coolant Pump Electrical Connector). The fire originated near the coolant pump area, consistent with the recall’s described... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
My 2015 BMW 328i xDrive (VIN [XXX] ) experienced an engine-compartment fire that began shortly after coolant sprayed from the front of the vehicle. This incident occurred before BMW’s official recall announcement for NHTSA Campaign 24V-608 / BMW 24V-608:474 (Safety: Engine Coolant Pump Electrical Connector). The fire originated near the coolant pump area, consistent with the recall’s described... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
I continue to get a check engine light on my car that reads code P0101. The very first time it happened I took it to a mechanic they read the diagnostic code and advised I would need to replace the Mass Airflow sensor. I purchase the part from a Nissan dealership and it was replaced by a mechanic approximately January 2025. The light would continue to come on sporadically. I took it back and was t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
The contact owned a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that, while the vehicle was turned off in her driveway, she observed flames emanating from the interior of the vehicle on the driver's side. No warning lights were illuminated. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. The contact was later informed that firefighters on scene believed that the fire originated... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
On October 17, 2025 at approximately 3:15 PM in the parking lot of a shopping mall at 2040 Lomita Blvd, Lomita, CA, our 2025 BMW iX M60 suddenly accelerated forward unintentionally while the driver was attempting to park. The vehicle made a loud “whirring” sound as if the motor engaged on its own, and it lurched forward rapidly without any acceleration input from the driver. The car traveled o... Read more
Crash
2 injured