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: Dec 23, 2025
Engine control harness with under fuse box due to melted fuse box. This caused my blower motor and relay to go bad. No air flow currently in car due to control harness. Dealership stated that there has been several Sante Fe that has came in this year with the same issue.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
My transmission started jumping gears and slipping at 65k miles. I had it checked out then and the mechanic said that these transmissions shifted rough, but they were not really sure why and that they reprogrammed the computer and that should fix it. It went on intermittently for the next 6 months to a year and I took it in again and was told they couldn't get the transmission to shift rough or sk... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact called a local dealer and the manufacturer and was informed that 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 had not experienc... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
The Rear Cross Traffic system does not work! A few days ago a car stopped inches away from me without any warning. I was backing out of a parking space at the grocery store.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
The Rear Cross Traffic system does not work! A few days ago a car stopped inches away from me without any warning. I was backing out of a parking space at the grocery store.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
On December 22nd i got into the vehicle and a few errors popped up which consisted of “loose wheel warning malfunction” “brakes: limited functionality drive with causation” “active front assist and emergency assist unavailable”. I called the nearest dealer and was told it’s ok to drive it’s just a software glitch and if i don’t feel comfortable driving i should take it to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
I purchased my Hyundai Ioniq 5 on [XXX]. Since then, I have experienced repeated and dangerous failures of the air-conditioning system, which Hyundai and the selling dealership have failed to properly diagnose or repair. On [XXX], while driving, I heard a very loud banging noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. Immediately afterward, the air-conditioning system completely shut ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
While driving the road was wet the vehicle brake failure and the steering wheels stopped completely lost control of the vehicle and keep running over the curb and hit moving vehicle
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
While driving the road was wet the vehicle brake failure and the steering wheels stopped completely lost control of the vehicle and keep running over the curb and hit moving vehicle
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Turn signal prematurely cancels intermittently, in middle of turn or prior to starting turn. This is after the signal stalk switch has been locked into the continuous on position, not the momentary position. The slightest movement of the steering wheel back away from the direction of turn will induce this. Not a full 1/8 of a turn back, but a very minute amount, as little as 1 or 2 degrees of stee... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I HAVE HAD THE HORN IN MY 2022 SANTA FE REPLACED 3 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF 3 YEARS, and now it doesn't work again. I realized the newest horn is not working when a truck almost backed into me yesterday and I had no way to warn them to stop backing up.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
Problems started showing on car a week ago. Tested battery and it was not holding a charge. Replaced battery and problem still persisted. Car is now at dealership and they are quoting close to $2000 due to failure for internal windshield camera. Car has right over 78k miles. This is a safety issue.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the driver’s side inflator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,412.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Appears to be related to recall 25V636. Vehicle is 2020 BMW X3 M40i, equipped with same engine as the Supra (B58). Engine would not start with the push of the "start button". Pressing a second time would sometimes start, but as time went on the number of presses required to start took minutes to up to 30 minutes before engine would start. Had starter motor replaced October, 2025 and mechanic o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
im the dealer sold my the car or maker uncertain problem
Crash
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
im the dealer sold my the car or maker uncertain problem
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal went down to the floorboard. The contact stated that the next day, the low brake fluid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a brake hose failure. The contact was informed that the brake... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal went down to the floorboard. The contact stated that the next day, the low brake fluid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a brake hose failure. The contact was informed that the brake... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the braking system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to decelerate unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, and a field representative was sent to the dealer to examine the vehicle. During the d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
On December 15, 2025, while driving my 2008 Chrysler Sebring in Indianapolis, Indiana, I noticed smoke coming from the driver’s side near the battery. Shortly afterward, the car completely stopped responding — the brakes and steering were unresponsive — and the vehicle caught fire in that area. I exited the car safely, and the fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The exact c... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
I bought a new 2021 Ford ecosport with several recalls. I've reported previous one on the recall list. However the following two are not on recall list. First, the back up camera is malfunctioning. It turns black when reversing. Secondly, within a week of purchasing brand new the vehicle had loose rail covering on top of vehicle. Not sure of the proper name. It fell off on highway SH 99. I had to ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
“Violent steering oscillation / loss of steering control at highway speeds” Speed when it occurs (usually 45–70 mph) Trigger (bumps, bridge joints, potholes) It requires slowing significantly to regain control. “This is consistent with Jeep’s known steering damper failure causing death wobble. I requested evaluation under Jeep’s known corrective actions.”
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
My mechanic noticed oil leaking near the oil pressure switch during a routine oil change. Told me to take it to dealership since I should still be under warranty. When I took it in, they very quickly were able to access that the oil pressure switch was faulty. Mechanic said it is a known problem. If it is a known issue, why not recall it?!
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
This complaint is to clarify and supplement a previous report. The issues began in August 2025, not September. Initially, the vehicle presented abnormal fuel range fluctuations, including while stationary, as well as intermittent “Key Missing” warnings while driving and display black spots. These issues were reported to dealerships and GM without resolution. Over time, the condition has prog... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The REAR end of the truck needs to be repair. The dealership says multiple people have needed to order the rear end.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Bad transmission shifting at 80k miles. Apearently is a known problems. There has been a few times it shifted so hard that my neck hurts the rest of the day also take a minute to accelerate sometimes leaving in in front of oncoming traffic. No codes or anything, I’ve been told that it’s normal
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
The air bad light is on and horn dose not working currently there is a open recall on the clutch spring for the air bag but my vin say no repair
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Got "check electric vehicle system" warning message when backing into my parking space. Later, when I turned car on to leave, it went into limp mode in the parking lot. Had car towed to Lithia Hyundai of Reno. ICCU failure was determined.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
7/30/2025 The vehicle experienced a confirmed TOTAL loss of function to include steering, restraint, and braking functionality at approximately 60 to 65 miles per hour. This catastrophic failure placed myself and and others at severe risk. Although Tesla’s service notes confirm the event occurred, no corrective repair was performed. The vehicle was completely inoperative with a matter of seconds... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
7/30/2025 The vehicle experienced a confirmed TOTAL loss of function to include steering, restraint, and braking functionality at approximately 60 to 65 miles per hour. This catastrophic failure placed myself and and others at severe risk. Although Tesla’s service notes confirm the event occurred, no corrective repair was performed. The vehicle was completely inoperative with a matter of seconds... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
On 12/17/25, the low-pressure fuel pump failed on my 2022 Ford F-150 (VIN [XXX] ), exactly as described in safety recall 25S75. The vehicle will not start or run and is not drivable due to the failed fuel pump. I have been told there is no remedy currently available and Ford has declined alternate transportation assistance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
When I was pulling out of the gas station parking lot on Dec 15th, 2025, I pressed the gas and heard a noise that sounded like high RPMs. I then approached the intersection and attempted to press the brake and the brake would not press in, it was hard. My truck then continued to move forward. I attempted to turn the steering wheel as a truck was coming at me. The steering wheel would not turn or m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while on a construction site at work, the vehicle drove over a piece of rebar which damaged the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that after the issue the rearview camera failed to operate as needed with a blank or distorted image on the screen. The failure persisted and the traction control, check engine, and other various w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while on a construction site at work, the vehicle drove over a piece of rebar which damaged the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that after the issue the rearview camera failed to operate as needed with a blank or distorted image on the screen. The failure persisted and the traction control, check engine, and other various w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the engine was overheating. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the coolant level was significantly low. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir. Additionally, the contact noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a coo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
While driving on a residential street at about 30 mph, our car suddenly, on its own and without warning, braked sharply. There was no other vehicle near to initiate the sharp braking. Had there been a car behind us at the time, the braking was so sharp it hit might have rear ended our car. We have now taken the car to the dealer for their assessment of the issue and a solution.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
While driving on a residential street at about 30 mph, our car suddenly, on its own and without warning, braked sharply. There was no other vehicle near to initiate the sharp braking. Had there been a car behind us at the time, the braking was so sharp it hit might have rear ended our car. We have now taken the car to the dealer for their assessment of the issue and a solution.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
While driving on a residential street at about 30 mph, our car suddenly, on its own and without warning, braked sharply. There was no other vehicle near to initiate the sharp braking. Had there been a car behind us at the time, the braking was so sharp it hit might have rear ended our car. We have now taken the car to the dealer for their assessment of the issue and a solution.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
This complaint concerns excessive glare from factory-installed LED headlights on modern vehicles, particularly SUVs and trucks. These headlights produce intense, blue-rich light that causes severe glare, halos, and reduced contrast at night. As a driver with astigmatism, this glare significantly degrades my ability to see pedestrians, cyclists, lane markings, and road hazards. The issue is widesp... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Vehicle shudders while accelerating and a constant speed from 1000-3000 rpm. Vehicle will shudder/shake for hundreds of miles at highway speed. Vehicle shakes violently going up steep grade. Vehicle shake is so consistently random it makes passengers ill. Warranty claim denied by GM after issue was recognized by technician.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Hi there, I purchased this car used with approximately 78,000 miles on it and this incident occurred at 94,000 miles. The car is equipped with a system call ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) system. The system sends hydraulic fluids to each cornering of the car to help stabilize it around corners. Land Rover installed steel hard lines to deliver the fluids to each corner. They also tucked the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
I own a 2020 Hyundai Sonata with factory-applied paint. The vehicle developed paint peeling/clear-coat failure on the driver-side rear quarter panel without any prior damage, accident, or repainting. The paint began separating from the body, exposing the underlying surface. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealer. The dealer acknowledged a paint adhesion failure and submitted the is... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
My vehicle had Hyundai Safety Recall 227 (fuel tube replacement) completed on December 7, 2022. After the recall repair, the same fuel-system symptoms returned. A Hyundai dealership diagnosed failure of the high-pressure fuel pump and high-pressure fuel pipe and stated the condition was critical and a safety risk due to fuel system involvement and potential fire hazard. Hyundai Motor America dec... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The hybrid version of the Toyota Tundra uses the same base V35A-derived engine architecture, block casting, bearing design, and oiling system as the recalled non-hybrid vehicles. Toyota has not demonstrated that hybrid engines were manufactured differently or are immune to the defect that prompted the recall. In towing conditions, an internal combustion engine failure creates an immediate safety h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Steering wheel gets stuck when turning left on speed 35-50 or over
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
- Loud rattle in back of car which was determined by Brenham Tx Hyundai dealer to be bad rear shocks on 12/4/2025. - Inspection available upon request. - Faulty shocks could fall off and cause a wreck or damage/wreck to anyone following. - Brenham Tx Hyundai performed the inspection. - No warning other than the loud rattle coming from back of car. We were told that the shocks were in inventory. S... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
- Loud rattle in back of car which was determined by Brenham Tx Hyundai dealer to be bad rear shocks on 12/4/2025. - Inspection available upon request. - Faulty shocks could fall off and cause a wreck or damage/wreck to anyone following. - Brenham Tx Hyundai performed the inspection. - No warning other than the loud rattle coming from back of car. We were told that the shocks were in inventory. S... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Summary: Remote start causes repeated, predictable failure of critical safety systems including traction control, hill descent control, and automatic emergency braking. Description of Problem: When the vehicle is started using the factory app for phones, the lower infotainment screen (the climate/drive assist panel) frequently fails to initialize properly. As a result, the icons and functions for ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2024
I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the vehicle’s infotainment and forward safety systems. When this occurs, the vehicle also shows a “Check Forward Safety System” warning message. Diagnostic trouble code C162078 is triggered, indicating a front radar out of alignment. As a result, critical safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and ot... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. In addition, the contact later received a second recall notification that parts were now available for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not available. The co... Read more