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: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Uconnect infotainment system intermittently failed, causing the defroster and rearview camera to become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
My truck is experiencing the Brake Controller failures as documented in GM Bulletin N232414840 - Customer Satisfaction Program Intermittent Loss of Trailer Brakes. This problem has occurred several times over the past year. I thought it was the wiring on my trailer - so I checked and found no problems (plus it works properly on other tow vehicles). Additionally, the problem resets and works pro... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who confirmed that the piston rings had failed and informed the contact that the engi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I went to put Brakes on and didn't have any Brakes which created an accident. (9/27/25)
Crash
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Date of Incident: [XXX] Approximate Time of Incident: [XXX] EST Location of Incident (City and State): Tallahassee, Florida Street or Highway Name: [XXX], lane between [XXX] & [XXX] Weather Conditions: Clear and dry, approximately 90°F While traveling at approximately 72 MPH in the center lane of [XXX] westbound near Tallahassee, FL, the vehicle suddenly began rapidly decelerating after shutte... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
This car was purchased in 2017 and maintenanced regularly. We recently took it to have the oil changed and to check out a noise that was coming from the passenger side. We were told that the subframe was rusted so badly it was too dangerous to drive and would cost $7k to repair. That caught us by surprise and we ended up having to buy a car by the next day. We traded the car in… However, I start... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Windshield needs replacement – one side window installed incorrectly (huge gap) •Trim peeling (inside and outside) •Heavy rust in engine area •Sunroof seals need replacement •All window tints need replacement •Headlights not aligned – need new ones •Taillights not aligned – need new ones •Spoiler damaged – needs replacement •Dashboard feels loose – needs replacement •Do... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
When driving my vehicle under normal conditions, the car will unexpectedly slow down on its own, and the system brake lights and hazard lights will activate as if I am about to be in a collision, even though no accident is occurring. I have noticed this issue most frequently when I am stopped at a traffic light and begin to accelerate again. Once I turn the car off and restart it, the warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
When driving my vehicle under normal conditions, the car will unexpectedly slow down on its own, and the system brake lights and hazard lights will activate as if I am about to be in a collision, even though no accident is occurring. I have noticed this issue most frequently when I am stopped at a traffic light and begin to accelerate again. Once I turn the car off and restart it, the warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Vehicle stalled on a highway after an idle stop event at a stop light. Vehicle went to PARK. Required a full restart by operator to go when light changed and traffic was flowing in other lanes. Dealership examined next day and indicated battery was good. Voltage dropping to 8V to 10V when starting. Recommended to disable idle stop each time vehicle is started. A new starter was authorized an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
What happened: While driving in Montana on September 21, 2025, the cabin suddenly filled with gasoline fumes and the accelerator pedal stopped responding. After pulling over, flames erupted from under the hood and the vehicle was completely destroyed within minutes. The passenger-side door could not be opened from the inside at first, delaying escape and creating a serious safety risk. No warning ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
What happened: While driving in Montana on September 21, 2025, the cabin suddenly filled with gasoline fumes and the accelerator pedal stopped responding. After pulling over, flames erupted from under the hood and the vehicle was completely destroyed within minutes. The passenger-side door could not be opened from the inside at first, delaying escape and creating a serious safety risk. No warning ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
EGR Valve failed in this vehicle <55,000 miles. The EGR valve has an electronic component that, when fails, can cause the car to shut down by blowing the "walk home" fuse. This is a safety issue. This is a well documented problem (internet) and Chevrolet refuses to fix it, leaving the owners with an expensive replacement quoted at $3900 (Sept 2025). Recommend that it be covered by the emiss... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
EGR Valve failed in this vehicle <55,000 miles. The EGR valve has an electronic component that, when fails, can cause the car to shut down by blowing the "walk home" fuse. This is a safety issue. This is a well documented problem (internet) and Chevrolet refuses to fix it, leaving the owners with an expensive replacement quoted at $3900 (Sept 2025). Recommend that it be covered by the emiss... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
EGR Valve failed in this vehicle <55,000 miles. The EGR valve has an electronic component that, when fails, can cause the car to shut down by blowing the "walk home" fuse. This is a safety issue. This is a well documented problem (internet) and Chevrolet refuses to fix it, leaving the owners with an expensive replacement quoted at $3900 (Sept 2025). Recommend that it be covered by the emiss... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to activate the cruise control, the system initially failed to engage. After several attempts, the contact was able to activate the cruise control; however, while attempting to deactivate cruise control, the system failed to disengage. After several attempts the cruise control disengaged.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
The transmission is bad. Ford dealership states it needs a new torque converter and that this is a very common issue among the edges. Also have been informed by many ford mechanics that replacing the torque converter is simply a band aid to the issue and will likely need a whole new transmission even if i replace the torque converter. I feel this is a safety issue to myself and others simply bc th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that there were metal shavings found on the camshaft sensor. The contact was advised that the camshaft sensor, oil flow solen... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
Was in stop and go traffic. Car suddenly said “conditions not correct for shift” and engine died. The car would not turn on and it could not be put into neutral therefore was stuck in the lane stopping all traffic on the NJ turnpike. It created a safety issue for that reason as there was no way to move the car to a safe place until a tow truck came and had to drag it onto the bed. I have since... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Coolant intrusion and requires short block replacement
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Our 2018 Ford Edge started idling rough after spark plug change and after dealer tested it they told us it had engine coolant in #2 Cylinder and that driving it could lead to catastrophic engine failure. Only fix is complete engine block replacement (Recommended by Ford in Bulletin TSB22-2229) along with new turbo as it may also have been damaged by coolant leak. (Could also damage catalytic conv... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
I was almost home and all the sudden i could barely control my steering wheel, it was so hard to turn and i almost hit another car. Thats when it dawned on me the power steering quit working.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
I have noticed the driver seat belt not retracting after usage. Upon looking online I saw a post about a recall. Called local Benz dealership and BenzUSA customer service both said my Vin is not part of the specified recall.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Every time my wife sits in her passenger seat the SOS warning goes off like it’s trying to call for help, but the call doesn’t go through. Thankfully because there is never a problem, and now the airbag warning is saying it’s not working. Our dealership said the part needed was on back order and they couldn’t get it any faster unless we called customer support. Which is what I thought they... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
During rain, the A-pillar and headliner show evidence of a leak. Open source research found this is likely due to faulty or poor quality components used in the roof rail system. My vehicle is completely stock with no additions or installations on the roof, just the factory rails.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Two of the wheels of my 2019 Corvette have cracked. GMC has turned this issue over to Analytics Consulting LLC to reimburse those owners that have had a problem with cracked wheels. I submitted a claim for one of the wheels, in July of 2025 and have yet to hear from them. In the mean time I had another wheel crack but I can not claim that one because it's beyond the date they set. I contacted G... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
on Sept 23, 2025, I was rear ended by a driver going between 50-60 mph. I am concerned that some safety features were potentially not working at the time of the incident. I will detail the information below: Background / Original Service Issue: When I initially brought my vehicle to Titus-Will Chevrolet GMC Cadillac for service, I observed that multiple critical safety systems were nonfunctiona... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
on Sept 23, 2025, I was rear ended by a driver going between 50-60 mph. I am concerned that some safety features were potentially not working at the time of the incident. I will detail the information below: Background / Original Service Issue: When I initially brought my vehicle to Titus-Will Chevrolet GMC Cadillac for service, I observed that multiple critical safety systems were nonfunctiona... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 24, 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 24, 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 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 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was driven to the residence. T... Read more
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: Apr 15, 2025
The steering is sticking after car returns to original position from the curve road.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The car has a sudden loss of power but doesn't shut off. The drivers eat doesn't move towards or back and the back seat popped up for no reason whatsoever. We have taken it to the dealership and they say its not a recall but its doing the same things that others in the same year and model are doing. Why isn't this one on the list . Its paid off and haven't been able to drive it for a year now . Wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The car has a sudden loss of power but doesn't shut off. The drivers eat doesn't move towards or back and the back seat popped up for no reason whatsoever. We have taken it to the dealership and they say its not a recall but its doing the same things that others in the same year and model are doing. Why isn't this one on the list . Its paid off and haven't been able to drive it for a year now . Wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Multi-Purpose camera unit internal electronic failure. Front-facing camera mounted in the windshield. This caused several warning lights including the brake system warning light to illuminate. This failure caused the automatic brake system and other safety features in the car to turn off. The vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic. There were no other warning signs.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Multi-Purpose camera unit internal electronic failure. Front-facing camera mounted in the windshield. This caused several warning lights including the brake system warning light to illuminate. This failure caused the automatic brake system and other safety features in the car to turn off. The vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic. There were no other warning signs.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
As I was driving on the Long Island Expressway at 50mph, there was a sudden VERY loud explosion that sounded like a gun shot. I thought perhaps a tire had blown out but then I heard air rushing by. My sunroof had spontaneously exploded!
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the undercarriage and subframe were severely corroded. The contact was informed that the vehicle should not... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
I financed a 2020 Ford edge 2.0L AWD from West Alabama wholesale in Tuscaloosa over a year ago. It was jurking when I first bought it, so they replaced the clutches in the rear drive shafts. So some months later it started back to doing the same thing jerking when I accelerate. I took it back and they said it was the transmission going out. My extended warranty had worn off by then. So I just feel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The engine light has appeared approximately in April 2025. The inspection advised that the engine code indicated a misfire in cylinder 4. The engine rough idles when started. The coolant loss is extensive due to an engine issue and must be constantly filled.vwe were told by, iPaul's Repair shop, that upon calling Ford, that there was a Lincoln technical service bulletin re: the 2 liter eco boost ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2002
Truck dies while driving. Has happened 7 times since purchase. Dealer can't duplicate.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
In 2018 my I was driving home when it just shut off and wouldn’t start. Smelled like burning and had it towed to my house and had several mechanics look at it and couldn’t find the problem then as it was parked on day it started to smoke and the engine was burning I put out the fire and then a couple months later I got the recall information the car was a total loss and could t be repaired and... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Back window shattered while closing the door and also the car lost power while driving.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Back window shattered while closing the door and also the car lost power while driving.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
While driving my Tesla equipped with Autopilot/Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, I experienced an unexpected and abrupt braking event. A vehicle had entered the center turn lane and had already cleared my lane, posing no obstruction to my path. Despite this, my Tesla suddenly applied the brakes without warning, causing a rapid deceleration that could have led to a rear-end collision had another vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
Software version 2025.32.3.1. Using Tesla’s auto-steer / enhanced autopilot (not fsd) causes many “phantom braking” events when going through several intersections on my commute. It’ll say a message “Curve Assist Active”, however I’ll be on a very straight and flat road with no curves. It’s 65 mph road and it will brake / slow down the car very hard and fast, if I don’t catch... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 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.