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 14, 2025
There was a fire under my minivan as my husband was driving it, creating smoke and flames. He lost power to the van and had to coast to the right side of the highway where he came to a stop with the flames occurring. This is the family vehicle and I have small children. We had no warning lights or any indication that there would be a fire in my vehicle as the van had been running smoothly, and I... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
Air bag light flashing and tire pressure light stays on
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
Info center with radio, vehicle info, on star keeps going black screen. When this happens I loose all control of info center and on star goes out where no location would be available if the vehicle was in an accident. This is safety concern because with no automatic notifications of accident no one would know if vehicle was in an accident. The vehicle has been to dealer 4 times... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
When I first purchased the vehicle I started to smell gasoline inside the vehicle and then it became worse and now I smell it outside and inside the vehicle my garage smells of gasoline. The engine on echo mode gets 35mpg which I was told it should be less than that. The engine loses power, it makes noises, is very rough felling when driving, it seems that the vehicle is getting worse by the day.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2016 Chevrolet Colorado VIN: [XXX] Engine: 2.5L I4 (camshaft-driven brake system assist vacuum pump failure). GM Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-268 (Nov 2021) confirms that if vacuum pump drive lugs are broken, replacement of both the vacuum pump and the exhaust camshaft is required which was the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The Emission Device 'Active Grill Shutters' have failed for a 2nd time, with a MIL on my perfectly maintained, once at 38K, then again on 9/10/25 @45K mile truck. A Google search leads to likely 100's of other Ram 1500 Owners reporting the same issue and resultant MIL. The prominent cause of the issue appears to be the Electrical Connector. Some reports indicate seriously melted wires, and I assum... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Constant fail of O2 sensor and ABS causing check engine and ABS lights to come on. After diagnosis, did research and it is a common problem on Ford Explorers
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The shoulder straps will not stay. They are supposed to lock in place once you adjust it and buckle the child in, but unfortunately, they will play back-and-forth and they will not lock in place. It is the same problem that Nuna is having with other versions of their car seat. We followed all instructions for cleaning, all instructions for maintenance, we have contacted the manufacturer and are un... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The shoulder straps will not stay. They are supposed to lock in place once you adjust it and buckle the child in, but unfortunately, they will play back-and-forth and they will not lock in place. It is the same problem that Nuna is having with other versions of their car seat. We followed all instructions for cleaning, all instructions for maintenance, we have contacted the manufacturer and are un... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
While I am driving my vehicle Ford Edge when I press the gas pedal the vehicle do not respond property. Is acting like the vehicle has no enough gas and its shake the car a little bit. I took it to the Ford dealer in Asheboro NC, but because is no recall in place the only option for me was to pay for a initial inspection and see if the problem can be found. About the Forward Collision Warning is c... Read more
BMW
I4 EDRIVE40
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 12, 2025
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
My car loses power when I press the gas. For example, I can come to a stop, wait until it’s safe to turn in front of another car, then try to take off — but the vehicle suddenly loses all power. It won’t accelerate, and I have to keep pressing the gas and hope it goes. Sometimes I have to pull over, put it in park, turn the car off, and restart it before it will drive again. This also happen... Read more
BMW
I4 EDRIVE40
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 12, 2025
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – 131,700 miles – Maryland registered While driving, my vehicle displayed the warning “Check Hybrid System. Turn off engine.” The dealer diagnosed a failure of the Hydraulic Control Assembly (ABS/Brake Control Unit). This is a safety-critical braking system. The vehicle is unsafe to drive until repaired. Hyundai previously issued recalls for this same ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Forward collision warning alarms when oncoming vehicle is recognized. This happens at least 3 times every time I drive. Only happens on 2 lane roads, not divided streets or highways. Very annoying and distracting.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Left a store on a frontage rd, drove about 1/2 mile , car just breaking out of no where, stoped in the middle of the road, the dash stated breaking malfunction see Dealer immidentaly car died, I restatred it , the dash still stated the same , the picture of the car had back lights flashing and the red Break sign was on , Took it to the nearest dealer and when they started it the warning system had... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Left a store on a frontage rd, drove about 1/2 mile , car just breaking out of no where, stoped in the middle of the road, the dash stated breaking malfunction see Dealer immidentaly car died, I restatred it , the dash still stated the same , the picture of the car had back lights flashing and the red Break sign was on , Took it to the nearest dealer and when they started it the warning system had... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the rear cabin pressure vent seals had deteriorated, causing rainwater to leak into the rear cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a mildew odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact was concerned that mold had developed inside the vehicle due to the water inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed low speeds, the electric power steering stopped functioning properly after the contact heard an abnormal crunching sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and jolted during acceleration as if the transmissi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
[XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] Subject: CarMax auto and CarMax auto finance RE: CarMax auto finance [XXX] Phone: 18009253612 Website: carmax auto finance Transaction Date: 10/23/2023 Amount Paid: 29976 Payment Method: Credit Card I bought a car with Carmax Finance and from the beginning of the car was lemon so I request change. It was denied then I’ll be sending a letter from then I’ll be h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The transmission is making a clanking noise during the lower gears. The local dealer said the transmissions is "done for". The truck has around 125,000 miles on it. The truck is available for inspection. When checking for recalls, i saw the GMC were being recalled for the same issue.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 70 MPH, the vehicle drifted to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 70 MPH, the vehicle drifted to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
On all (4) tires, there is cracking in the sidewalls in a line about 2 inches above the tire bead around each tire. Approximately 19K miles on these tires. Manufacture and supplier/seller (Priority Tire) both sent multiple photos of issue, tread depth, etc. and then denied any warranty on the tires due to 'Improper Usage' (reply below) I asked the supplier/seller and the manufacture what that mea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
On all (4) tires, there is cracking in the sidewalls in a line about 2 inches above the tire bead around each tire. Approximately 19K miles on these tires. Manufacture and supplier/seller (Priority Tire) both sent multiple photos of issue, tread depth, etc. and then denied any warranty on the tires due to 'Improper Usage' (reply below) I asked the supplier/seller and the manufacture what that mea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the top of the passenger’s side A-pillar trim had fractured, and the driver’s side A-pillar trim was frequently popping out of place while driving. The contact stated that the rear-view... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the top of the passenger’s side A-pillar trim had fractured, and the driver’s side A-pillar trim was frequently popping out of place while driving. The contact stated that the rear-view... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuel pump and the fuel pump module were replaced; however, the failure wor... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the brakes were independently activated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
This is not an accident but a could contribute to an accident. the drivers seat on the 2026 Honda passport is extremely difficult to sit in more than 30 mins. The fan ventilation "system" that is in the New 2026 passport can be felt and puts pressure in the pelvic floor and tail bone area. I have had to put a 2 inch padding and tip the site higher than I would normally. I know that seat are ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Shift to Park” message displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned on the hazard lights and waited for the vehicle to cool down before restarting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the grille shutt... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
When driving the vehicle, it appears to shift roughly and at times, it seems that there is no power to the vehicle.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
When driving the vehicle, it appears to shift roughly and at times, it seems that there is no power to the vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
Driving home from supermarket. Car made a loud bang and started smoking from under the hood. Pulled over into parking lot. Car continued to smoke and within minutes caught on fire from under the hood. Car was engulfed in flames within minutes.
Fire
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
My engine stopped and locked up. It happened while I was driving on the highway/interstate. Yes it has been diagnosed by the dealership. There was no warning lights prior to the system failure.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky and melting. The contact stated that since moving to the desert, the dashboard coating had degraded and deteriorated. The shine created a glare on the windshield, preventing the contact from driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that it was an aesthetic issue, and the Cu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
While returning from a shopping trip with my mom the passenger headrest broke/exploded? It caused several small plastic fragments to fly from I guess inside and the headrest hit my mom in the back of the head. There were no lights to indicate a problem, no other vehicles around and we were only traveling 25 mph. No police or anyone else involved Ed. Wasn't sure what to do. I saw a recall for this ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low engine oil warning light illuminated, prompting the contact to inspect the dipstick. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the oil was abnormally low, though the vehicle had been serviced less than a month prior. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Wobbling vibration on exterior mirror, driver side. It looks like incoming vehicles shake sideways. This happens on any bumpy road and it is easier to observe at highway speeds. Purchased on [XXX]. Vehicle is available for inspection. The distorted image resulting from mirror wobbling affects driver's awareness of surroundings, visibility gets worse at nights/rain due to blurred lights. This can ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
When driving and turning wheel to the right it gets " stuck" and uses more effort to straighten wheel back. Sometimes it's "stuck" to the right longer than the turn in the road and about run off the side of road. Speed does not matter happens at any speed. Happens more often than before. Happening for year and half . Have took it to 3 different mechanics and they couldn't determine for sure the... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2025
While working out of town for work my engine light started flashing and the dash lights went nuts. My brakes were nonexistent and were hard as a rock. I had zero warning as to what happened. Working 3 hours away from home the car had to be towed and I was informed the engine code came back as my cam shaft. Took it to the dealer as Gm has a bulletin put out. I didn’t know what that meant. Long st... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
My Mazda CX90 consistently has a hard delay before jerking my car forward, especially when shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. This is most common at slow speeds and accelerating from a stop. On top of generally rough shifting, there have been four separate instances where my car blatantly stopped accelerating and slowed my car from 70-80 mph down to 40-45 mph. Once driving up a hill, and the res... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
My 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige 3.0T 6Cyl GAS CREC Supercharged has experienced repeated, serious failures involving the engine, powertrain, and fuel system. - At 72,000 miles, the vehicle developed coolant leaks under the supercharger, a failed water pump, and soaked drive belts. Repairs included multiple hoses, gaskets, and thermostat replacement. -Shortly after, repeated PCV/Oil system failures cause... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
Master cylinder needing replaced confirmed by dealer. ABS. Traction control forward emergency braking system service lights appear on dash and the systems are disabled saying service soon. Adaptive cruise control disabled super cruise disabled.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
Master cylinder needing replaced confirmed by dealer. ABS. Traction control forward emergency braking system service lights appear on dash and the systems are disabled saying service soon. Adaptive cruise control disabled super cruise disabled.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
When I got to work one day I turned off my vehicle and went about my regular day until I went to go home and my car was dead. The entire electrical system wasn’t working. No lights on the dashboard or in the vehicle when I opened the door. We went to jump it with the instructions from the owner’s manual. We finally got it jumped the next day and I drove home everything seemed okay I put gas in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
I have had 3 fuel injectors go out on my 2022 Hyundai Tucson. When this happened it was completely random and my car would stall and I would be stuck on the side of the road. I have had to miss work due to this happening. They told me that they are only able to replace the broken one each time instead of replace the all 4 while covered under warranty. They also told me that fuel injectors breaking... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
I have had 3 fuel injectors go out on my 2022 Hyundai Tucson. When this happened it was completely random and my car would stall and I would be stuck on the side of the road. I have had to miss work due to this happening. They told me that they are only able to replace the broken one each time instead of replace the all 4 while covered under warranty. They also told me that fuel injectors breaking... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Adding to NHTSA Safety Issue ID # 11685509. The car was taken back to the dealership on 9/8/2025 and the maintenance department was showed were the Junction box that controls a lot of safety features could be the issue and why normal diagnostics tools used could not isolated the issue to it. Online research shows that this Junction box is a common issue and an undiagnosed issue with major safety i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
System charging error prompts on the dash board continuously. Check my battery and it’s not my battery. Steering wheel light turned on and car began to lock and the whole dashboard started to flicker while I was driving . I was driving and my steering wheel locked on me always causing an accident. I tried getting a jump and my battery is fine. Then when I try to move the vehicle the steering ... Read more