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 6, 2025
Today while driving my brakes got super hard. Had to use my entire weight to get it to stop and still was moving forward. Had to use the emergency brakes and a prayer. Luckily I wasn’t on the highway or it would’ve been a deadly accident. When I opened the hood the camshaft sensor was broken loose. Mind you I had taken the truck to the dealer a while back for a rattling noise at 1500 RPM and ... Read more
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 30, 2025
I took my vehicle into my local ford dealership to get three active recalls remedied. Within 24 hours, my check engine light reappeared as well as "service engine soon" on my way into work. Upon leaving work, the dash lights were gone. They would come and go periodically. After about a week, it would pop up "service engine soon" and within ten minutes, regardless of speed, the RPMs would fly all t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH and attempting to make a right turn into the right lane, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed and pulled to the left direction, causing the vehicle to drive over the dividing lane concrete and hit an unknown object. The contact was able to pull into a driveway partially. The air bags did not deplo... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
Bought car December 2024 with 54,557 miles and had it inspected at time of purchase; inspection was fine. Car started making odd noise last week, so I took it in for an oil change and they ran diagnostics and determined it needs the transmission replaced, having 67,764 miles. Mechanic told me this is a "known issue" that Toyota is aware of this and won't recall the affected cars. It's going to cos... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding an ongoing and serious safety-related timing chain issue with my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT. The timing chain loses tension intermittently, which places the vehicle at immediate risk of significant engine damage, stalling, or complete loss of power during operation. This issue compromises the vehicle’s ability to operate safely in traffic. A sudden failur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that once the vehicle had warmed up, while driving at speeds of 50 MPH or higher, the vehicle shuddered abnormally while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. There were no warning lights illuminated, or codes displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the torque con... 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: Feb 3, 2025
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: Dec 31, 1969
Transmission failing when going up hill almost causing a wreck and leaving me stranded. Was inspected by dealership and they rebuilt the transmission problem keeps occurring. No warning lamps. Have spoken with other Chevy Silverado of same year and style and many have had the same issue.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the shift to park message was displayed while the vehicle was in park. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. There was an abnormal fuel odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact replaced the fuel filter and repaired the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and was informed ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
excessive frame flex/failure, Interior cabinetry coming cracked and apart. Floor separating from side walls. Main door coming open during transit.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
The trim pieces on the outside of the doors are not properly on and are flapping.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
There is a loud clicking in the steering wheel and the car is all over the place while driving. I was told by three mechanics that it is the steering coupler gear. I could lose control which would be putting others life at risk as well as myself. I was told this my be a recall. I need help. This is a SAFETY RISK AND NEEDS ATTENTION.
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: Oct 22, 2025
The problem started in the past year (2024-2025) with severe shuddering while driving over 35-40 mph and going over a patched pothole or other irregularity in the road. The shuddering would continue until I slowed to stop. It is quite alarming & feels like the car is falling apart and is more difficult to manuever when this occurs. Once I slow to a stop, the shuddering stops and I am able to pro... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The problem started in the past year (2024-2025) with severe shuddering while driving over 35-40 mph and going over a patched pothole or other irregularity in the road. The shuddering would continue until I slowed to stop. It is quite alarming & feels like the car is falling apart and is more difficult to manuever when this occurs. Once I slow to a stop, the shuddering stops and I am able to pro... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
PCV failure that requires replacement of Cylinder head.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
CVT transmission failure after owning this vehicle for two years. I bought this vehicle in feb 2023 for my daughter in college and she has put only around 35k miles since the purchase. She took the car to the Toyota dealer oct 2025 reporting a whining noise and they stated the car now needs a complete replacement transmission costing $11,000. I am a single father and and still owe over $11000 on t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
While overtaking another vehicle on the interstate at 75 mph, a loud clunk was heard and drive power was temporarily lost as the car slowed by 20 mph. The transmission subsequently reengaged, enabling the vehicle to regain speed. At that time, there was no traffic behind. No warning lights appeared, and the dashboard gauge indicated normal transmission temperature. The transmission fluid had been ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
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 17, 2025
Pulled up to a stop sign, the engine shutoff and would not restart. Had the vehicle towed to the dealership. Received a call that the engine will need to be replaced. The code is a P0016. Same code as the other 6.2 L87 GM motors, but is not currently under the recall. They found no metal in the oil pan and the engine only has compression on cylinders 2 & 8. Make no mechanical sense. Before ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT Date of Incident: October 24 2025 Approx. Mileage: 82000 Affected Component: Visibility / Defroster / Rear Window Glass Description of Problem: While the rear defroster was on, the rear window of my 2020 Ford Explorer XLT suddenly made a popping noise and began to spider-crack from a point near the defroster grid. There was no external impact to the glass. The cr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT Date of Incident: October 24 2025 Approx. Mileage: 82000 Affected Component: Visibility / Defroster / Rear Window Glass Description of Problem: While the rear defroster was on, the rear window of my 2020 Ford Explorer XLT suddenly made a popping noise and began to spider-crack from a point near the defroster grid. There was no external impact to the glass. The cr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I was driving with family to a family trip up to the mountains to enjoy the snow when at a rest area I noticed the odyssey just had a slight delay to turning on before continuing the trip. No lights no signs of anything going wrong. As we continued our trip back onto the freeway on a curvy road and night time the odyssey didn’t want to shift gears wouldn’t speed up for freeway traffic. Immedia... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The car was at a red light so it automatically stopped. when the lights turned green, I removed my foot from the break and the car would not move. I had to call OnStar for roadside assistance and they called the police to make sure I was safe and that traffic flowed safely. My car was towed to the dealership after they tried to start the car by the key and my jumper cables. The car would not start... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The car was at a red light so it automatically stopped. when the lights turned green, I removed my foot from the break and the car would not move. I had to call OnStar for roadside assistance and they called the police to make sure I was safe and that traffic flowed safely. My car was towed to the dealership after they tried to start the car by the key and my jumper cables. The car would not start... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle was inspected. The contact stated that the dealer had not provided a status update regarding the vehicle or the repair. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had been at t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and attempting to change lanes, the contact felt a small bump. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle started to wobble violently, almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle due to the increased steering effort. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to inspect the vehicle, but found ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
On Sunday 10/19/2025, estimated 11:15 a.m., while traveling on the 215 West in Riverside, California, my 17 year old granddaughter, riding in the passenger front seat of my 2025 Honda Passport, and I, heard an explosion overhead and immediately could hear the sound of wind. I knew immediately something had happened to the sunroof. I looked into the rear view mirror and traffic around me was unaff... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
THis is a school bus- Exhaust downpipes leading into the catalytic converters melted down and created large holes in the exhaust pipe itself. Extreme heat developed by engine.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Since this recall came out I have taken my car to the dealer(Port Orchard Ford, Port Orchard, Wa. 98366) and each time they say they can't do it because it has a super charger. I think it's because they would have to reinstall the super charger program. I've been told that they would be able to reprogram it because they installed it. On the recall notice it doesn't list any exceptions to not doing... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding and clinking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was a waiting list for the recall repair. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
The problem of windshield wipers going off either once, or at varying speeds has not been able to be reproduced by my Toyota dealership. It goes off right when I turn the car on 50% of the time and is very inconsistent. Wipers typically go off after using the turn signal, making long turns (such as into a parking spot), and driving on long curved roadways. It has been inspected and nothing has bee... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
When the car goes 75-80mph on the highway, there is a metallic "ticking" noise coming from the front two sides of the car, around the area where the tires are. KIA is refusing to do anything about it because they claim they cannot drive the car that fast due to speed limits. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? --unknown How was your... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
Possibly intake mainifold/housing etc. oil is running down on top of the transmission making it look like the transmission is leaking I only have 68224 miles on it and I just bought it in much with 57000 miles on it is this a recall
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
Engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. Engine in question is a Theta II 2.4 GDI. Losing a qt every 400-500 miles. The car has less than 75,000 miles on it. The vehicle has been religiously maintained, oil changes every 5,000 miles or less. However because we are the second owners, even though it was purchased in 2020 when it had less than 30,000 miles, the warranty does not apply. The e... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
A software update was pushed put to the Jeep via over the air update on or around 10/10/2025. After installation, Jeep unexpectantly shut down while driving. I was doing approx 35 miles per hour 1/2 mile from my house in the first drive after the update happened. All power to the jeep was lost and I was forced to drive off the road as i no longer had any abiblity to accelerate. After pulling o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
A message came out that I need to maintain the engine and take it to the concierge and they told me that it is the coolant by pass valve
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine overheated and the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted, but was undrivable. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer, where it was determined that coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 had caused engine damage. The deal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
On Saturday 10/18/2025 the rear drivers side tow link of my 2018 Ford Explorer XLT snapped while driving 70 mph under normal driving conditions on a 4-lane section of i-75 in Detroit, MI. This caused a loss of steering, and my family and almost hit the median concrete wall when it sharply veered to the left completely unexpectedly. There were no warning sounds or symptoms and happened at random on... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
On oct 17,2025. While driving 35 mph on my to drop off my niece to her doctor appointment. My new 2024 Nissan rogue started to shake and engine light started to blank and cut off power and stopped on the road. Putting our lives at risk for accident on the road. Error Code : P2563 and P2565. I took it to the Dealership Antwerpen Nissan in clarksville, MD. Were I purchased the car brand new in 2... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
Passenger side brake light keeps going out and has been replaced twice
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
This vehicle was purchased from Audi Fort Lauderdale on July 31, 2025 and on the drive home, 9 safety systems were reported as not working. This has continued for 7 weeks and the dealer has attempted repair 5 times including software updates, front camera replacement, camera alignments and finally the major ECU replacement to no avail. There are many people on the Audi Etron forum complaining of ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Airbag light came on and remained
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Problem with the valve cover gasket. Dealer said replaced. Engine oil smell has been entering into the cabin and making me ill. Causing chest pain, headache, dizziness, nausea.