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: Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, and the message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure started recently and had occu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to complete a left turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast into a nearby parking lot, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with failures with the driveshaft and steering gearbox. The dr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to complete a left turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast into a nearby parking lot, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with failures with the driveshaft and steering gearbox. The dr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
2023 BMWiX with sudden acceleration issue upon parking. Vehicle has been subject to recall for unintended activation of cruise control upon parking and a software update was supposedly issued by BMW and yet this occurred to me today causing front end collision and lots of damage to my car. Not hurt nor were others but certainly could have been.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
On September 18, 2025, while driving at ~65–70 mph on the Saw Mill Parkway in Mount Kisco, NY, a Michelin Latitude Tour HP tire (235/55R19) suffered a sudden circumferential tread/belt separation. The tread detached completely from the casing while the sidewall remained intact. A small screw was present in the center tread, but there was no TPMS warning or gradual pressure loss prior to the fai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
Premature failure of the telematics module resulting in inability to access emergency services and other safety-related features. Dealer confirmed the components failures are widespread. Check engine light came on as a result as well as inoperable navigation features that rely on the module connectivity.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
[XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] [Date] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20590 Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali – Repeated Engine Failures (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally file a safety complaint regarding my 2020 GMC Yukon XL Dena... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Randomly my steering wheel will get stiff/lock up and pull the car and its hard to control it sometimes
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
A recall on rear camera was listed. My vehicle has distorted image when damp and rainy weather. Can make out is behind you. When contact dealer,she just said,my Vin # didn't match problem . It states that my vehicle doesn't meet Federal Safty standards for rear visibility.which could cause a accident.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Rear house battery tray weld failed, tray fell and hit the ground, damaging BIM, various cables etc. Identical to Recall 19V-566 (2019–2020) but not included for 2021.
Safety concern: Batteries may detach on roadway, cause shorts/fire, or total power loss.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Rear house battery tray weld failed, tray fell and hit the ground, damaging BIM, various cables etc. Identical to Recall 19V-566 (2019–2020) but not included for 2021.
Safety concern: Batteries may detach on roadway, cause shorts/fire, or total power loss.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
While driving at highway speeds the vehicle suddenly dropped into "limp mode" causing the vehicle to start slowing down very quickly since I had regeneration breaking set to level 2. Causing the vehicle behind me to almost rear end me but they moved out of the way quick enough that no collision happened. I was able to turn on my hazard lights and roll to safety. After powering off the vehicle, e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The 3rd cylinder connecting rod failed under 120k miles. The rod knocked the starter loose while the vehicle was going 70 MPH, and caused a fire. It was inspected by the dealership it was purchased from. There were no symptoms or warnings at all, it was sudden and unexpected. Myself and my passenger were both shaken and thankfully had time to pull over when it happened, and we managed to put the f... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
Catalytic converter is cracked. This is confirmed by an independent service center. Apparently there is a recall for this issue for 2015 and 2016 Subaru Outbacks manufactured up until September 2015. My 2016 Subaru Outback has the same issue and was manufactured in April 2016. The recall should include all 2016 Subaru Outbacks, not just those manufactured in 2015.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the Lane Departure: Lane Keep Assist unintendedly engaged. While driving 40-70 MPH and attempting to switch lanes, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the Lane Departure: Lane Keep Assist was turned off. The Lane Departure: Lane Keep Assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer on tw... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2002
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that the adaptive cruise control mode was inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH to the dealer, the contact noticed that the vehicle in front of the vehicle had stopped abruptly with no brake lights activated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The cont... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The Monocular front window camera is malfunctioning. This front window camera controls the following safety features: -Lane Keep Assist (LKAS) -Collision Mitigation -Adaptive Cruise control -Lane Departure Mitigation -Rain sensor windshield wipes -Auto High beam -Automatic Emergency Braking In addition to compromising these safety features when the camera fails, false warnings are repeatedly prov... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The Monocular front window camera is malfunctioning. This front window camera controls the following safety features: -Lane Keep Assist (LKAS) -Collision Mitigation -Adaptive Cruise control -Lane Departure Mitigation -Rain sensor windshield wipes -Auto High beam -Automatic Emergency Braking In addition to compromising these safety features when the camera fails, false warnings are repeatedly prov... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Frequent Passenger Restraint System Issue
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
I’ve seen others report on the same issues and hopefully this brings something up for a recall. At first it was a misfire in the engine, and oil getting into the spark plugs. Then coolant leaking. Then overheating. I looked into the codes and took it into the shop and it’s going to cost me 8-12,000 to fix due to the same issue that other people all seem to be having.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
I’ve seen others report on the same issues and hopefully this brings something up for a recall. At first it was a misfire in the engine, and oil getting into the spark plugs. Then coolant leaking. Then overheating. I looked into the codes and took it into the shop and it’s going to cost me 8-12,000 to fix due to the same issue that other people all seem to be having.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
Component Failed: Water pump (engine cooling system) - Part has been superseded by BMW with upgraded version, indicating manufacturer awareness of defect. Failed component retained and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Complete water pump failure at 56,611 miles created immediate risk of catastrophic engine overheating and potential engine seizure while driving. BMW-certified mec... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
Engine stopped power steering low, notification. When in Reverse. Car shuts off and I coast backwards. Have to put it in park and then restart the car.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
It is known that for the specific year make and model that the water pump goes out around 100,000 miles. This water pump was built as an internal water pump, which is not typical for most cars. in order to fix this part, the engine has to be taken out and lots of parts have to be disassembled Just to get to it. The part Itself is fairly cheap, but the labor cost thousands of dollars due to where i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
Cooling System over Temperature. Message kept displaying and check engine lit up again since the first service was done by Tech at the dealership on July 15, 2025.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
Cooling System over Temperature. Message kept displaying and check engine lit up again since the first service was done by Tech at the dealership on July 15, 2025.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
I have been trying to get the turn signal recall fixed on my truck for the past year. After I make a left turn, the turn signal only turns off about 1/2 of the time. The first 4 times I spoke to them both in person and over the phone, they said they were waiting on the part. When I spoke to them last week, the parts guy said he had the part, but I would have to pay for it since the system showe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
2018 Stelvio Quad 7/2025 Taking off from a red light with multiple cars behind and beside me, my car lost power throwing multiple warning lights, swapped itself from "D" to "N" driving mode and had to be limped off the road and restarted. It would not swap modes from "N". Displayed "check engine light. Contacted my service manager, completed 10 restarts, issues cleared. Car would drive in all mo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
Car seat is installed rear-facing with a seatbelt method. Car seat continues to be come loose even after proper installation.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
Power steering lights up and I am unable to turn the steering wheel. When I shut the motor down and start back up, the steering starts working again. This has been doing this for about 4 years now. I took it to White Allen Chevrolet when it first started happening and they told me that they drove it around and that it did not happen while they test drove the car. It happens intermittingly. I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
On or about 2022 I was given notice of recall which told me to go to any BMW dealer for repair. I went to Niello BMW in Sacramento. I was getting car processed and then told to summarily leave. They refused to repair my car per recall notice
Incident date: Sep 1, 2018
The contact owned a 2022 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack RV. The contact stated that the battery of the RV was frequently drained by the refrigerator. The contact stated the generator of the RV was turned on, and while the Xbox of the contact's son, the refrigerator and other devices were plugged in, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor. The contact exited the RV and noticed that the pizza... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
I find that vehicles with regen braking which do not activate the brake lights to be extremely dangerous to following vehicles, especially at night, even with proper follow distances. It should be mandated that any deceleration by regen braking/1-pedal driving illuminates the brake light. Some of the vehicles now that have extreme deceleration from regen braking don't allow a following car to re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Both left and right exhaust manifolds have broken studs that have resulted in exhaust leaks from both manifolds. The broken studs can be seen via a visual inspection. Exhaust leaks can be heard at engine start and during higher load operations. This failure is allowing hot exhaust gas to leak into the engine compartment creating an engine fire risk as well as compromising engine performance. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
Dashboard started showing brake assist and esc needed service. Four lights lit up: brake, abs, traction, and collision
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
Dashboard started showing brake assist and esc needed service. Four lights lit up: brake, abs, traction, and collision
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Paint is peeling on the roof along the sides in the grooves and in the groove between the back window and the body. This appears to be the exact same paint issue that was reported on the 2018 Honda Accord models made at this plant. I just noticed this today (9/19/25) but given the rust, this has probably been a problem for longer.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
-Ongoing safety recall with no available fix for rear airbags. -I do not feel comfortable using our Pacifica to transport our children when there is a known safety issue that could impact their safety and survival in an accident. -The problem has been known to Chrysler since at least May 2025. It is currently Mid-September, and there is still no fix available. -I am unable to trade my vehicle in d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Described by BMW as a "malfunctioning passenger restraint system", the sensor detecting weight in the seats is faulty without any external factors. The safety of both minors and adults is placed at risk when a system like this malfunctions, either keeping the airbag on or off. The automatically-adjusting seatbelt is also affected by this. There was a warning message for this displayed.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
Vehicle engine shut off while driving approximately 50mph. No prior issues or warning lamps. The failure happened without any warning. I had over half a tank of fuel at the time of the stall. Loss of engine propulsion is extremely dangerous as I was in rush hour traffic on a major highway in Houston, TX. Luckily the stall occurred at an exit and I was able to safely get to a area to pull over... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
We have dozens of videos of our ID.4 continuing to malfunction after the 919A recall had supposedly been completed. There are a slew of electrical and software issues related to windows, door handles, infotainment, charger handle disengagement, brakes and various sensors… We have gone through all of the proper channels. Two dealerships have attempted to advocate for us in Illinois and VW refus... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
Transmission failure at a little over 120,000 miles while towing a side by side on the highway. This highway has a speed limit of 80 which is dangerous when the vehicle stops working properly for myself and any other drivers in itself. Earlier this year the transmission had been updated due to a recall and was deemed to work good by the dealership but didn’t notice any difference. Had an engine... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
I went to the car wash and when I turned my car back on it stated the the Driver's Restraints system malfunction.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and decelerated. The accelerator pedal was depressed while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to accurately display the level of fuel in the tank. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
WHEN I START THE CAR, THE STEERING WHELL IS FROZEN, WILLNOT MOVE AN THE GEAR SHIFT WILL MOVE BUT IT CAR WILL NOT MOVE,, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF PULLING THE EMERCENCY BREAK AN TURNING IT OFF AND GOING THRU THE SHIFT PATTERN , THE CAR MAY MOVE,,,SOMETIMES I HAVE TO SHUT THE MOTOR OFF AN ON TO GET THE WHEEL UNFROZEN AND THE GEARS TO WORK.... HAVE OWNED THE CAR 3 MONTHS AN THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
While my daughter has been driving our 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2013, the vehicle continues to experience add loss of electric power. The dashboard display and infortainment system went down black. The problem first began -2019-2020 and continues to recur about once or twice a month. The most recent incident occurred on September 18, 2025, with my daughter behind the wheel. An independentc mechanic ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Transmission-Has always shuddered and hesitates when shifting. Problem seems to get worse. Dealer had no answer except try flushing transmission. I read this is an inherent problem.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
A car from the other side made an illegal left turn in front of me, and I braked very early, yet still slid into them. The car had been inspected at the time at the collision center, and had DTC codes from before repair and after repair, showing the Integrated Brake systems had failures before and after. There was no mention of the results of the inspection until I asked after another braking inci... Read more
Crash