Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 41,082 complaints for BMW
Incident date: May 17, 2025
My 2022 Kia k5 has gone into limp mode multiple times now while I am driving in addition to when it starts up. Check engine light, AUTOHOLD, EPB, traction control, etc. all aluminate on my dashboard. Car drives very rough and doesn’t want to accelerate or shift. Huge safety issue. Dealership said it was the throttle body assembly. Paid to have it replaced and the issues still persists. I have re... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
My 2022 Kia k5 has gone into limp mode multiple times now while I am driving in addition to when it starts up. Check engine light, AUTOHOLD, EPB, traction control, etc. all aluminate on my dashboard. Car drives very rough and doesn’t want to accelerate or shift. Huge safety issue. Dealership said it was the throttle body assembly. Paid to have it replaced and the issues still persists. I have re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Regarding ***IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL*** 25V347. The B-pillar trim appliqués on my 2017 Explorer have detached completely from the vehicle - both of them, before the recall notice was received in June 2025. It’s now the end of January 2026 & still no fix for this SAFETY recall! How is a car piece detaching from a vehicle & becoming a projectile on a busy highway not a priority!!! Now I’m read... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
While driving at 70mph, my vehicle spontaneously shifted into Neutral and therefore dropped power to the transmission. I was unable to shift out of Neutral and therefore had to coast to the shoulder. Upon coming to a complete stop, my truck independently shifted into Park. Again, I was unable to shift out of Park. I turned my truck off, let it sit for a few seconds before unsuccessfully attempting... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
In mid-trip as we were going down the highway went to change lanes and the turn signals were no longer functioning. No errors, no alerts, no warnings they just stopped working. After pulling over and turning off the vehicle and turning back on they work for a time then stop working again. After researching with other owners of these and similar model Mercedes Benz vehicles this is a prevalent and ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
There is oil that leaks on a couple spark plugs.....when I remove the plug there is oil on the plug cover and inside where the plug goes in.........disturbing.....can you help....supposed to be a recall but I don't know what to do.....I would like to get that straightened out..... I want to keep it .....also like to buy my wife a new one......can you help on this problem.... They were supposed t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Driving at 35 mph in traffic and the RPMs started to increase to 3500rpm and vehicle started to slow down inevitably putting me into Reduced Acceleration..limp mode. Truck would not shift into Reverse either once I could safely merge out of traffic and put into park. Very very dangerous and scary situation.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
265/50R20 Cooper Evolution H/T, all 4 tires have cracks all the way around each tire, possibly sidewall defects. Tires were purchased new from Bob’s tire in Attalla, Alabama.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
It was snowing lightly/moderately, and prior to driving, the windshield was cleared with snow and the wipers set to Low. Once driving began, the wipers stopped working on multiple occasions for a brief period each time, before resuming on their own. During the period that the wipers stopped, the snow accumulation on the windshield caused poor visibility and potential danger to our car as well as o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
This vehicle’s brakes loudly squeal when in reverse and when just stopping at a stop sign. After a few weeks of purchase I brought it to the Toyota service team in St. Peter’s to fix since it’s under warranty. They said they do not have a fix for the issue! Driving this vehicle scares me and I don’t feel safe. Please help. This is a major safety hazard. Supposedly, these vehicle was brough... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
Some Drive Assist Systems cannot operate: Clean Area shown. This message keeps appearing without any weather factors or anything to cause it. Happens nearly daily while using adaptive cruise. Then the next day without doing anything (like cleaning area) it starts working.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Was told by mechanic their was a possibility for fire with the starter mechanism.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Was told by mechanic their was a possibility for fire with the starter mechanism.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Oil light appears when at a stop and goes off when accelerating. was told by mechanic this is a sensor problem common to my vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving around a blind corner, when another vehicle started merging into the contact's lane, the contact avoided a crash with the vehicle however crashed into a ditch. The contact stated that the vehicle landed on the passenger's side, and there was a passenger seated in the front passenger's seat. The contact and the front passe... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
I have recently noticed my audio system has static even when it is turned off and when it's turned on, it get's worse. (The static noise is loud, it starts from the back speaker then works it's way to the front speakers) This just started at the end of December 2025 and it's increasing getting worse. I do not feel safe having my family in the car with me because the static noise is on going and ca... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
Repeated misfires despite repairs at a certified Honda dealership. The van has been under service since the end of August 2025. The vehicle is power off and shut down while driving or cause significant engine/transmission shuddering and stalling. I have had my kids in the vehicle when this has happened on a highway. All service records have been done by certified servicers.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
My rear window suddenly and completely shattered without any contact to the window. This was a safety issue do the breaking of glass and not being able to drive safely after it broke.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
When driving vehicle into sunlight a system warning light displays saying “ Driving Aids temporarily disabled, poor visibility. This warning has displayed during all day parts and occurs immediately when the sun is directed at the front of the car. Have had the car at the dealership and showed them pictures of warning light. Dealer noted car did not exhibit customers concern at this time. I do... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated, but the engine continued to rev, and the RPM was very elevated. The contact stated that during the 6th failure, the check engine warning light illuminated for sever... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Check engine light came on and when we had it tested with the OBD‑II scanner it came back with a Fuel system wiring harness corrosion Emission control module software updates Transmission shift issues.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
I have called & been to Fletcher Chrysler in Franklin, IN and they said that there is still no remedy/fix for the brake recall on my vehicle. I use it to tow our 5th Wheel & am seriously worried about towing it in the Spring, as well as daily driving in around. It has now been 14 months and there still is no repair for this Recall issued in Nov 2024.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The contact was informed that there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact was called for help. The contact arrived at the location and inspected under the hood, and became aware that the coolant level was low. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the rear-view camera had been failing but had stopped operating weeks ago and only displayed a blank screen. The contact stated that prior to the complete failure of the camera, there were intermittent failures for approximately 1 year. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer several times for camera repair. The contact stated that after... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
Truck went in service 9/17/2025 because the wheels locked up while driving. Transmission was replaced. Picked up truck and 2 hours later the truck shut off while driving and was started back up and was limp mode. Was told wire chaffing and they taped and rerouted wires. Picked truck back up and next day it did the same thing. Took back to the dealer and they said wires again. They taped wires ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
On 2 occasions (before a dealer initiated system update), without anyone in jeopardy of being hit in front of me, my vehicle suddenly and shockingly halted - I had no idea what was happening and thought someone hit me from behind. First instance I was at a 4 way stop sign at a complete stop with much traffic in all directions. I had ample distance in front of me. Second instance, I was driving... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
On 2 occasions (before a dealer initiated system update), without anyone in jeopardy of being hit in front of me, my vehicle suddenly and shockingly halted - I had no idea what was happening and thought someone hit me from behind. First instance I was at a 4 way stop sign at a complete stop with much traffic in all directions. I had ample distance in front of me. Second instance, I was driving... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
I am in Virginia and received a recall code C0020-01 for general abs fault. The truck continues to beep alerting me of this fact. I need replacement of the hcu. Which i have been told controls the breaking hydraulics. To me this seems to be of concern and could easily cause an accident and injury. This has been occurring since August of 2025 and I have been in contact with the dealership, Bl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], in Greenwich CT, while I was very slowly driving into a parking space, the engine suddenly and unexpectedly surged,. The vehicle overcame the brakes and raced forward and collided with a stone wall, about 3 ft away. This was a new (since May 2025) vehicle with only approx 3,500 miles on it. I had not had any previous problems with it and there were no warning li... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Journey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rearview camera failure. The dealer determined that the rear... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
My 2019 Toyota CHR has only 82,000 mileage, and already required by the dealer to change the transmission which costs a lot
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Front camera that is needed for all of the lane sensing, Cruise control, lane keep assist malfunctions. This camera is needed to operate all of these safety systems. I’ve seen many blogs with drivers saying they have a similar issue. The fix is $1800.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
At some point in June 2025, between approximately 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., I was driving southbound on the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles, just south of the 134 interchange, at approximately 45 mph. Traffic was light, with no vehicles in front of me and no vehicles attempting to merge into my lane. Without warning, a bright red alert appeared on the dashboard of my 2019 BMW x3 and the vehicle suddenly app... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
While driving my 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, the vehicle experienced a complete dashboard and system blackout, as if the vehicle shut off and rebooted. This has occurred on two separate occasions. On one occasion, while stopped at a traffic light, the dashboard went completely black and restarted. After the system rebooted, the vehicle would not accelerate or move when the accelerator was pressed. I ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem that’s going to end up killing someone when it completely separates
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
customer of Hyundai 4 years now. issues with the Forward Collison-Avoidance Assist (FCA) on my 2025 Tuscan, malfunctioning, aggressively breaking, fantom breaking when absolutely no imminent collision will happen, causing other drivers to come within inches of a rear crash with me, also the same fantom breaking while parallel parking. the breaking causes me to be thrown towards my windshield. m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
customer of Hyundai 4 years now. issues with the Forward Collison-Avoidance Assist (FCA) on my 2025 Tuscan, malfunctioning, aggressively breaking, fantom breaking when absolutely no imminent collision will happen, causing other drivers to come within inches of a rear crash with me, also the same fantom breaking while parallel parking. the breaking causes me to be thrown towards my windshield. m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was taken back to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start. The ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The vehicle had multiple unresolved safety defects from the time of purchase. The radio and electrical system never functioned correctly and could not be repaired despite repeated dealer visits. The stabilizer bar failed and fell out while driving, causing loss of steering stability. The vehicle is currently subject to an open federal safety recall for ABS/ESC/traction control loss with no repair ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Our 2016 Kia Sorento had 86k miles on it, loud knocking began and days later catastrophic engine failure. Rods and bearings are busted on my 3.3 Liter, V6 GDI engine. It died while my wife was driving it to the dealership. Estimated repair is 19k, metal shavings in the oil. It is available for inspection. My wife was driving it on the highway when the engine failed. Dealer confirmed the rods a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious safety defect in my Genesis vehicle and to request immediate investigation, documentation, and corrective action. Following a recent crash event, my vehicle’s diagnostic scan revealed DTC B1378, which is associated with a fault in the airbag system circuitry. This code is widely recognized as an indicator of an airbag defect and is consistent with condi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious safety defect in my Genesis vehicle and to request immediate investigation, documentation, and corrective action. Following a recent crash event, my vehicle’s diagnostic scan revealed DTC B1378, which is associated with a fault in the airbag system circuitry. This code is widely recognized as an indicator of an airbag defect and is consistent with condi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious safety defect in my Genesis vehicle and to request immediate investigation, documentation, and corrective action. Following a recent crash event, my vehicle’s diagnostic scan revealed DTC B1378, which is associated with a fault in the airbag system circuitry. This code is widely recognized as an indicator of an airbag defect and is consistent with condi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 27, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding my leased Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which has been affected by two recalls: Recall 68C: My vehicle was not drivable for over 60 days while awaiting a repair under this recall. For 60+ days this recall was a fire risk, left me unable to charge my vehicle, and I was advised to park away from structures or other vehicles. This caused a significant and unreasonable l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Corolla equipped with American Omni Tires, Tire Line: Tourer, Tire Size: P205/55/16, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle wobbled and shook abnormally. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the two front tires had bubbles on the outside sidewall. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact st... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
While driving through Columbia, SC on Jan 10th at 11am the sunroof suddenly shattered. The temp was 80 degrees and it was sunny. Traffic was moderate. There was what sounded like a large explosion and then I heard what sounded like pebbles running down my car. It was very startling to say the least. I thought it was a truck tire that had exploded but I kept hearing the pebbles sound. So as soon as... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Unknown electrical issue in the cold. Saw posts online about people getting "High voltage system" errors and after a few days in the cold it happened to me. Dealership couldn't find the issue and simply cleared the error codes telling me to come back in if it happens again. Huge issue, as it limits the range to protect the system from further issues but doesn't give me enough range to even drive h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The engine failed in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata for the 2nd time while driving in evening traffic on a major interstate with my elderly father in the car with me. The engine completely shut down while in mid drive on the interstate with no power. The engine and oil lamp indicators immediately came on right before the engine lost power on the interstate. This caused my safety and the safety of my fath... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Getting error message that the "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". The light appears to be operational. Searched for this issue and Audi recalled some models but many users outside the current recall report this same issue. Please expand the vin numbers for the recall action for safety.