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: Sep 10, 2025
I have a 2021 Chevy Suburban with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. At 7k miles, we have lost propulsion, leaving the car undrivable. resulted in the dealer replacing all 16 lifters under a recognized bulletin. I never received extended 6yr 100k mile powertrain warranty as described in the bulletin. Since then, There have been 3 other issues with loss of propulsion, resulting in replacement of fuel ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V454000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for parts availability information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
At 130,000 the torque converter went and now I need a costly transmission repair, the days of Toyota reliability are long gone
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
CVT transmission went out at about 101,000, and is currently sitting in my yard.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
My Volvo S60 has developed excessive oil consumption consistent with the condition described in Volvo’s “Engine Oil Consumption” extended-warranty notice. I only received this notice after my vehicle had already passed the 8-year/100,000-mile eligibility period, preventing me from accessing the program intended for this defect. I visited an authorized Volvo dealer regarding the oil-consumpti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
AWD lock engaged but not functioning and no error lights indicating the such. This made the vehicle slip aggressively on lightly snowed roads. Once parked it needed to be winched out as only the front wheels spun, not engaging the rear tires.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
I found a bolt head and a washer laying on my garage floor. After looking under the vehicle, it broke off from where the right side front cross member mounts to the bracket that attaches to the vehicle body. I took the vehicle to the dealer, they said the bolt was on back order and had no time frame when it would be available. They said that the vehicle was safe to drive because there were five ot... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
When we bought the SUV, it had a small top battery installed. The battery slid over and caused my alternator to go out completely. I must have caught fire, as there were burnt wires to the alternator. We replaced the alternator, and it was over $295 dollars and then had to get a new battery, and that was over $150 dollars. I installed it myself because I am a mechanic.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brakes failed to engage. Additionally, the infotainment screen was inoperable. The front camera module warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brakes failed to engage. Additionally, the infotainment screen was inoperable. The front camera module warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the roadway. The contact exited the vehicle to inspect the vehicle and discovered that the front driver’s and passenger’s side wheels were pointed inward. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the tie ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The contact's husband owns a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and made an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the timing belt, the water pump, and the tensioner pulley were replac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Hi, my power steering went out. It's tough to turn. I see there was a safety recall, 14S06, that mentions the power steering control module. According to the NHTSA website my car has a safety recall. MAY 29, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speed... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Since 28 June 2026, there has been an issue with braking system. I called the local Ford dealer twice and was told there has been no reported brake issues with 2024 Ford F-150. The first time this happened, I was driving on a county (dirt road) and I applied the brakes, and the brakes did not work. Thankfully, there was no traffic and I coasted to a stop. The same problem with the brakes has h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Clicking noise when Hard turn right and left. Dealer says expected behaviour.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
I purchased this vehicle used in August 2025 from the estate of a friend's relative. The records show it was meticulously maintained and no recall notices have been unaddressed. The prior owner used it infrequently and it still has just under 90k miles. There were no major engine issues when my local repair shop (over 12 years and 3 vehicles) inspected all systems, and the vehicle passed for PA st... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
2019 Ram Laramie 1500 instrument or cluster panel goes blank or speedometer goes blurry and unreadable.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
2019 Ram Laramie 1500 instrument or cluster panel goes blank or speedometer goes blurry and unreadable.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The contact waited thirty minutes, and the vehicle started to operate as intended. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on se... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
I rear ended another vehicle and my airbags did not deploy.
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V527000 (Tires), 25V741000 (Electrical System), and 25V766000 (Engine). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the three recalls were related to the VIN. The contact was informed that one of the recall repairs could be performed; however, parts for the other two were not yet availab... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V527000 (Tires), 25V741000 (Electrical System), and 25V766000 (Engine). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the three recalls were related to the VIN. The contact was informed that one of the recall repairs could be performed; however, parts for the other two were not yet availab... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
Back up camera is flickering and goes to a blue screen glitches multi colors.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
I was pulling into a parking spot outside of a Costco and suddenly the car began to accelerate uncontrollably, and I couldn't stop the car. It ended up hitting the car in front of me, pushing it out of the spot and then hit the car next to us. Fortunately, there was no one in any of the cars hit but the entire experience was completely terrifying, and someone could have been seriously injured. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The vehicle clicks when making turns. It only has 15k miles on it.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Car has developed a fuel leak once again in the rear of the vehicle. this is the second time a fuel leak has been noted. the first time the mechanic replaced a portion of the line that had corroded and was leaking fuel near the driver rear tire. now the leak is in another section of the original pipe near the fuel tank. this is poor quality and engineering.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather, the rearview camera became inoperable, and moisture was visible in the displayed image. The contact also stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle did not need to be restarted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numb... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
experience a automatic OTA update to the info system on my 2021 GMC Sierra(I did not iniciate) which burnt out the radio module which controls the info system. I am being charged $1,300+ for repair due to vehicle being out of warranty(52,000 miles) and no recall on this vehicle model for this issue. GMC does have a recall for this exact issue on the 2021 GMC Tahoe models, but not the GMC Sierra. I... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shuddering. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with heater exchange failure and coolant intrusion in the transmission. The contact was informed that the heat exchan... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
My 2020 Toyota Camry SE suffered a sudden and premature transmission failure at only 114,000 miles. I am a college student and I cannot afford a major repair like this on top of my monthly car payment. The car began showing hesitation and sluggish acceleration on cold starts for a few months, but then suddenly went into limp mode with the Check Engine and Traction Control lights on. The screen dis... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The car has a strange thump when driving around 70-75. This is always and the dealer says it’s normal, which is not true! This weird thump is now happening at lower speeds and also a weird shuddering at speeds around 25-40. Shudders are more random Also starting at about 8-10,000 miles randomly while driving highway speeds 70-75 the vehicle shudders /vibrates for about 20 seconds and then stops.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
While driving, my 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid suddenly experienced a multi-system failure affecting: Road Departure Mitigation System Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Hill Start Assist Electric Power Steering System Brake System (“Brake performance may be reduced”) All warnings appeared within seconds. The vehicle is available for inspection, and the incident ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
I have noticed over 30 things wrong with this car. Including but not limited to- the FIRST THINGS I mentioned to the dealership there seems to be apull to the right (suspension/alignment). The car randomly starts driving or feeling 'jerky" as if cruise control has taken over - 'phantom braking' is a term I came across that sounds accurate to me. And now, after having the vehicle for almost 30 da... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety hazard involving a 2010 Toyota Camry purchased from GA Carz 4 Less, LLC through the GovDeals.com platform. The seller provided no disclosures of mechanical issues. Immediately upon receiving the vehicle, it exhibited violent engine knocking, shaking, heavy oil leakage, and repeated engine shutdowns. Two certified mechanics inspected the vehicle and confirmed that th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Was driving along at approximately 25 mph and had a major sudden failure of the right rear tire
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Was driving along at approximately 25 mph and had a major sudden failure of the right rear tire
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V376000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 25V798000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the motorcycle backfired. The local Oasis Outdoors - Powersports dealer was contacted and informed the contact that they did not repair Kawasaki mot... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Two separate occasions while driving this car and using the wipers in rain there was been almost zero visibility to the point where we can almost not see while driving in the rain. I have owned three Toyotas and this is the first time I have ever experienced this issue. It almost as if the wipers don't move fast enough to clear the water off the windshield or the wipers aren't making contact the e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that an ABS message was frequently displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a miscommunication error with the front camera, which caused the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not a safety issue and was given an estimate for the repair; however, the c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that an ABS message was frequently displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a miscommunication error with the front camera, which caused the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not a safety issue and was given an estimate for the repair; however, the c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding repeated, severe, and dangerous malfunctions of the vehicle's engine Start/Stop (Idle Stop) feature. The system is failing to operate as intended, resulting in the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion or under crucial driving circumstances, creating significant safety hazards. History of Incidents I have experienced four separate inciden... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Uncommanded maximum braking with simultaneous high-voltage and low-voltage shutdown. Vehicle is not safe in Florida with puddles or any types of ongoing obstructions vehicle shuts down in the middle of traffic if it perceives you do not match Google maps
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Uncommanded maximum braking with simultaneous high-voltage and low-voltage shutdown. Vehicle is not safe in Florida with puddles or any types of ongoing obstructions vehicle shuts down in the middle of traffic if it perceives you do not match Google maps
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
While driving the car studders & stalles on highways. Throws all the lights on. The vehicle. Vehicle goes into limped mode & you have to clear it out before driving it.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The control buttons located on the steering wheel of the newer model Nissan Pathfinder are malfunctioning. These buttons control numerous functions and sensors. What's happening is, the spring action of the buttons are failing and the button is loose. This causes the button to make contact as if it was pushed without touching it, simply driving over a bump. Some of these buttons control warning se... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH and attempting to make a right turn while depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the front driver’s side and three of the wheels attempted to switch to 4WD; however, the driver’s side wheel failed to respond as intended. The contact was able to pull over to the right s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
My 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 experienced a complete engine failure at ~51,000 miles, shortly after a major repair for a known defect. Initially, the vehicle showed a misfire on cylinder #3, which was diagnosed at RBM of Alpharetta as low compression due to valve seat damage, matching MB TSB LI01.30-P-072328. The cylinder head was replaced in Aug 2025. About two months later, while driving under ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The safety component that is covered under the SBC warranty is the entire brake master cylinder specifically the part that is bad is the brake pedal position sensor The car is undriveable without it, they have a 25-year warranty on it yet they have no parts and no way to fix it which is obviously unacceptable they've also refused to provide a loaner car until they come up with a way to fix my car ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
Driving along vehicle shut down in middle of road replace fuel pump, fuel module control in August 2025. Now both top and bottom fuel hose needs replacing. On Nov 2025 I smelled gas and vehicle shut down
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
My employee was walking to his Ford 2022 Expedition, he had started it remotely, went to open the back of the vehicle, and the glass exploded. We have a video of it happening from a ring camera system.