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: Apr 10, 2025
MVA: [XXX] Sudden acceleration of vehicle. Brakes failed to work. Steering suddenly inoperative. Front passenger and I were injured. Vehicle damaged 3 other vehicles. One or more drivers whose vehicles were hit complained of injuries. For inspection, contact property damage adjuster with Safeco Insurance: Collision adjuster: LYNAE MCCALL, P: 509-944-8355 Email: [email protected]. Comp... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
My instrument cluster is failing
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
I was just getting off from work starting the engine, the driving meters screen and the head up display were completely off black, I thought that it will turn on after driving but it didn’t. I was driving more than 5 minutes on the free way and both screens were still dark. This is not the first time that this happened. The last time when this was happened, I brought my vehicle to the dealers... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
The camber plate nut fell off inside the shock causing me to lose control and go through a field. The camber plate is the only thing holding the strut to the vehicle and should have had a locknut from the factory as it's nothing more than a ball joint. It is available to inspect. It caused me to lose all control when it separated. I own a garage and confirmed failure myself. No i called Ch... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a beeping sound, and the vehicle stopped independently. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the fai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
I collided with three parked vehicles and my airbags did not deploy causing me to hit my head
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
I collided with three parked vehicles and my airbags did not deploy causing me to hit my head
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a routine oil change, the contact requested an engine inspection and oil change. The dealer performed the oil change; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy ... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
Erratic shifting of the transmission while driving. Dropped into lower gear causing me to skid on a wet surface. Luckily was only driving at 45 mph or it could have been worse or caused an accident.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding parts not being available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Check engine light came on, Coolant intrusion into the engine block. Ford knew of the issue but had stringent and not widespread enough recalls for this issue.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approx... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and opening the sunroof, the interior sunshade was opened, but the sunshade failed to close as intended and remained stuck open. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Ford mechanic, who informed the contact that the sunshade sealant had deteriorated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, 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 stated that a warning light indicating that the brake fluid reservoir was empt... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I am not sure if this qualifies as a safety issue, but the head rest on Camry is terrible. They are heavily tilted forward and non-adjustable (cannot tilt them back). When seated and trying to maintain a neutral posture - it is not possible, one has to keep their head tilted forward which becomes painful after a while.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
While driving the RV at highway speeds, I noticed a lot of vibration and shaking. I pulled into a tire store to have the tires balanced. They found the left front tire (hankook dynapro ht 205/75/r16) with tread separation. I had it replaced with the spare. I had 27,400 miles on the tire with 7 32nds of tread left.
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Intermittent Power Steering Faulire
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Front wipers stop working in the middle of a rain storm while driving down the highway we were unable to see anything(road/cars)out of the window. We had to put on flashers and stick head out of a rolled down window to (which with rain slapping you in the face is not safe either) try and get to a shoulder on the highway safely. My hubby and I were terrified and thought we were going to die or caus... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
The harness on my child's Nuna RAVA loosened during a 30 minute drive home (highway and downtown driving) in May of 2025. I learned later that month that there is a recall on Nuna Ravas for that exact reason. It is available for inspection. My child was not properly secured, and I did not know it until we got home; he could have been killed or seriously injured had we gotten into a collision on... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
The truck lost power steering due to the soldering on the star connecting being messed up. The truck also had 4x4 not available,as well as no brake assist in reverse due to the communication issue. The dealership had to replace the star connector due to soldering issue.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
The truck lost power steering due to the soldering on the star connecting being messed up. The truck also had 4x4 not available,as well as no brake assist in reverse due to the communication issue. The dealership had to replace the star connector due to soldering issue.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Ive tried to get my recalls fixed since I bought the car 2 years ago, Jeff Wyler Kia Eastgate Ohio has given me the run around, at least 5 attempts of no call backs or prolonged appointment dates not having me on record, my car breaks down I pay for diagnostic blown engine, I pay to have it towed to Jeff Wyler Kia Eastgate Ohio, it's been there for 5 weeks and they still have not done a diagnostic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
The vehicle randomly shuts off while driving dash goes black and then randomly starts back up or I have to put it in (n) to start it back up while Im at a free role i lose control of the power steering and braking this is a dangerous for myself my children and grand kids also others Im the road this is seriously gonna get someone hurt this issue should not be occurring this is very dangerous
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact's mother owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that he was dropping his daughter off at school, as he shifted into reverse (R) to exit a parking space he observed that the rear view camera image had "flashed" and then the screen went black. The contact stated that he was moving at approximately 2 MPH when he crashed into the rear bumper of the vehicle parked behind him. The ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Ticking noise and check engine light. Taken to dealer. Dealer replaced tensioner, timing belt, water pump, did oil change and engine flush. Did not fix the problem. Dealer took the engine apart and discovered damaged rocker arm assembly which caused valve spring break which caused a problem with the cylinder. Honda is denying a warranty claim as the vehicle is just outside of the 5 year power t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
My car began throwing codes for a Cylinder 2 misfire in October of 23. We did a tune up. Within a few months, same issue. By Oct of 24 my head gasket needed replaced. Now it is August of 25 and I am having the same issue and signs that the head gasket is bad again. I am told by dealers this is due to a faulty head gasket that Ford knowingly put in the vehicles. There is a limited recall for the 1.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
I own a 2020 RAM 1500 Big Horn 4WD with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque system. The vehicle began making a whining noise while running. A certified diagnosis confirmed the failure of the engine generator unit, part number 68623194AB, which is required to keep the eTorque system functional. This part has been on nationwide backorder for an extended period with no estimated time of arrival from Mopar or the d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed while the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact moved the gear shifter in and out of Park(P) several times until the vehicle registered that it was in park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission shifter assembly and jumper harness ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
I am writing to formally request your review and potential intervention regarding a serious and potentially widespread mechanical issue involving Hyundai vehicles, along with the manufacturer’s refusal to honor their well-advertised 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for subsequent (non-original) owners. I am the current owner of a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX] ) that is experiencing a Contin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
I am writing to formally request your review and potential intervention regarding a serious and potentially widespread mechanical issue involving Hyundai vehicles, along with the manufacturer’s refusal to honor their well-advertised 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for subsequent (non-original) owners. I am the current owner of a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX] ) that is experiencing a Contin... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
Subject: Tire Safety Concern – BMW OEM Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season (UTQG 500) 245 50 R19 I am writing to raise a serious vehicle safety concern involving the BMW OEM Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season tires that came factory-installed on my leased 2022 BMW X3. These tires are labeled with a UTQG 500 treadwear rating, which typically implies a lifespan of 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Yet, all four of... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
1st incident: When driving the vehicle dashboard shut off, no indicators working such as speedometer, gauges etc and brakes were not working, luckily I was in a 60 miles an hour zone so I had to just let the vehicle come to a gravity stop. To turn off the engine and start it back up again. 2nd incident: when driving the dash lights turned off and on like flickering on and off and all the gauges me... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
coolant leaking into engine causing overheating
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
when coming to a stop the van will jerk, and when taking off it acts like it does not want to catch the gear, now we are expirancing no take off, it will not go past 20 miles, and when we try the engine will rev up and will not pick up speed.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
when coming to a stop the van will jerk, and when taking off it acts like it does not want to catch the gear, now we are expirancing no take off, it will not go past 20 miles, and when we try the engine will rev up and will not pick up speed.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
All types of lights popped up such as emissions system problem Tire pressure monitoring Brake system problem Vehicle stability Electric power Hill start Acc Collision mitigation Road departure mitigation
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
While driving, the engine warning light suddenly turned on and the vehicle began shaking violently. I was forced to pull over, and the car had to be towed. The dealership diagnosed engine failure caused by excessive oil consumption. Despite routine maintenance, the manufacturer refuses to cover repairs under warranty. This creates a serious safety hazard, as engine components like spark plugs can ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
the “trailing link shaft” broke/split/tore apart at the right rear wheel. my car only has 16,500 miles. the vehicle was inspected by auto manufacturing dealer (mazda). mazda refused to admit it’s realting to manufacturing defect(s). i did not report it to police or my auto insurance carrier at that moment because i did not know what the issues were not until i dropped it off to my local deal... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact's father owns a 2022 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the highway, the roof rail trim, and the area in front of the roof rail trim detached. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that assistance could be provided after the dea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
My car has been making a grinding and whining noise. I took it to the dealership and the service manager stated Toyota has been having a known issue on transmission and it will have to be replaced. The vehicle can stop working while i am driving and cause a very bad accident.
Incident date: May 29, 2025
Uncontrollable Sudden Acceleration 3 times while I drove the car, it suddenly and rapidly accelerated. Eventually, the car crashed and was totaled. The first time was 3/31/25 when my wife and I went to the car wash. To exit the car wash, I put the car in drive and lightly applied the accelerator pedal and suddenly the car accelerated rapidly and made a loud noise. I immediately braked and the ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Gear slipping since I’ve had the truck. Replaced parts of motor, new transmission installed and still gear slipping entering the second gear. A big jolt happens every time I accelerate and when I slow down about the 10 mph mark it jolts again. Spent well over $10,000 on major truck repairs. I just don’t understand how this truck has 0 recalls. My truck is similar to all of the v8 Sierras of th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost electric power steering, and the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact pulled to the shoulder of the roadway and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the power steering became operable; however, the failure recurred while drivin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
The headlights have excessive moisture on the inside. Genesis replaced them once a year ago but now they have moisture on the inside lens so bad that you can't see the LED bulbs. This is a known issue with the GV60 and even though the car is under warranty Genesis will not cover this under warranty, they say it's normal! The moisture is changing the way the headlights light up the road and this mo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
I have had a multitude of issues regarding the steering and suspension of my 2012 ford escape limited. I have replaced the same parts multiple times over a short period of time. And the parts normally would not be replaced but once in a car lifetime such as control arms 4x 3x on passenger 1x on driver. But anyway this led to me finding out that my front passenger subframe is rotted. Which led me t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
I was backing and the steering wheel was impossible to turn. The car was on the recall 15S18, was served and obviously still a safety issue. I requested today July 30,2025 for a goodwill repair and was denied.
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Driver side mirror vibrates making the view in the mirror blurry. The distorted picture causes confusion and safety hazard as it's very difficult to see in day and almost impossible at night. Vibrations are noticeable in the driver's side B pillar. According to the dealership, this is related to the car's frame, no further details were provided so far. Car has been in the service for almost two w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
On July 12, 2025 my husband, the driver, and myself, owner of the vehicle and passenger this day, were driving on the freeway at approximately 7:00am in the middle lanes of the freeway. Without any codes or warnings beforehand, we heard the car make alarming beeps and automatically loss all power to the engine while traveling at highway speeds. This situation put my husband and my lives at risk an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
On July 12, 2025 my husband, the driver, and myself, owner of the vehicle and passenger this day, were driving on the freeway at approximately 7:00am in the middle lanes of the freeway. Without any codes or warnings beforehand, we heard the car make alarming beeps and automatically loss all power to the engine while traveling at highway speeds. This situation put my husband and my lives at risk an... Read more