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: Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for an oil change. The contact stated that approximately 5 weeks after returning the oil change, while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle and steering wheel started shaking abnormally and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the traction control, check engine, and stabili-trak... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Three of my four doors sporadically fail to close and latch. When I open the door the latch does not fully open, so when I try to close the door the latch prevents it from closing. Maybe it is just normal wear and tear, but I understand there was a recall for something with latches on this era of f-150s, and my VIN is not part of that. I'm reporting this in case it's useful information and in case... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Three of my four doors sporadically fail to close and latch. When I open the door the latch does not fully open, so when I try to close the door the latch prevents it from closing. Maybe it is just normal wear and tear, but I understand there was a recall for something with latches on this era of f-150s, and my VIN is not part of that. I'm reporting this in case it's useful information and in case... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Frame failure due to bad welds. Walls separating from frame so bad that you can see the ground outside, flooring sagging in living room, cargo compartments will not close properly. Two sets of springs busted, one replacement of axle.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The headrest on the driver seat ejected while I was driving. The headrest is unable to go back into the correct position. It looks as if a plastic piece has failed inside the headrest. No accident occurred when the headrest failed. The drivers neck was hurt during the incident. Driver almost lost control of the vehicle
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
Break pedal goes to the floor
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
At 58,000 miles we started having transmission slipping issues with no check engine lights or anything. We did some research and brought it in to a dealer for the recommended software update. That didn’t fully fix the issue and they recommended a new torque converter. At just under 60,000 it should not be having these issues and it’s a major expense for a newer car. Transmission failing is a s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Tie rod on passenger side of car broke after pulling out of driveway. dealership mechanic stated the rods were previously bent which caused it to break. I biggest issue about this, the car was at the dealership 6/23/25 because the car went into limp mode and abe lights were coming in. They did a final inspection and did not report the tie rod was bent.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Power steering failed while making a turn. The vehicle oversteered running into a curb. This scraped the wheel and impacted the tire braking the plastic inner wheel well. If the steering fails while turning the wheel the vehicle at slower speeds the vehicle is very hard to control and will force you out of intended trajectory. There are no warnings or messages. There are no fluid leaks. I have r... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound and then the sunroof glass fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The car is sporadically saying passenger restraint system, going on and off.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Warning about seatbelt & restraint systems malfunction in passenger seat appear in dash. Seems to correlate to seat bottom sensor in front passenger seat, goes in and out of alarm while occupants sit in the front passenger seat, creating risk of restraint system failure while driving.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
Warning about seatbelt & restraint systems malfunction in passenger seat appear in dash. Seems to correlate to seat bottom sensor in front passenger seat, goes in and out of alarm while occupants sit in the front passenger seat, creating risk of restraint system failure while driving.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact state... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
I understand this vehicle is over 10 years old. I bought this vehicle pre-owned and have only had it for less than 6 months. This vehicle has 71,000 miles on it and isn't very good condition cosmetically besides the gloss paint. As a widow, I needed a dependable vehicle for work purposes. Since I've had this vehicle I've had to replace the thermostat, I've had continued overheating issues, issues ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
Have a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid with a Drivers Attention Warning problem. The warning turns on frequently when using cruise control. When the warning beeps a few times in quick succession it actually shuts down the system, reduces speed to a crawl, and turns off the engine. This only happens while using cruise control, no issue with DAW when cruise control is off. So can't use ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The panoramic sunroof shade has lost its tension when opens. The roller may have broken its clip to hold since being plastic. When open it blockes from seeing from rear view mirror as it sags down. In short cant use sunroof as it poses a risk of view
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Pearl white paint peeling off doors, hood, roof…less than 40,000 miles
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Blew horn at someone who cut in front of me, and horn sounded rough, then the same driver cut me off again, blew horn, NO horn. Also, headlight burnout issues. Had to replace the driver's headlight 39 weeks ago. Week or two after that, the left side went out, and about a month later, running bulb went out on passenger side. Well, the headlight just blew again, same day as the horn, just had to rep... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Recall R24B2 / NHTSA 24V-700 affects my 2019 Nissan LEAF. I received the initial notice in Oct 2024, warning me not to use DC fast charging due to fire risk. It’s now June 2025, and Nissan has failed to provide the promised software remedy. My vehicle remains partially unusable, and no timeline has been provided. I request NHTSA investigate this delay and compel Nissan to offer timely repair or ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
X1 gear shifter is causing a Transmission waring - and comment to secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult Service center. I have spoken with BMW mechanic and other mechanic who have stated that it is common issue with X1 and Mini's that use same shifter. A spring breaks off in the shifter. Mini - issued a large warranty extension but it appears BMW has not.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Multiple owners as well as mine MMI system just randomly rebooted multiple times when I was driving on the interstate. The speed goes up to 70MPH and I lost my maps and everything.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Passenger front side makes noises like something is clicking. It makes like a rattle noise too
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
Vehicle: 2021 Ford Bronco VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 88,000 miles Complaint: I am reporting major safety and drivability concerns with my 2021 Ford Bronco, which is currently undrivable and in the shop at Ron DuPrat Ford in Dixon, California. Despite experiencing issues nearly identical to those covered under existing recalls, my vehicle’s VIN is not currently included. While driving ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
Bought a 2006 Nissan Sentra from an individual as a first car for my grandson. Drivers Seatbelt does not retract. Took to body shop and they said it was a safety issue and we would need to take it to the dealer. The Nissan Dealer in Chattanooga said that they could not repair it as the part was discontinued. Did not give us an alternative other than to to google it and fix it ourselves (but it's... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The ABS system has failed, and I have to pony up $3000 + for repair, since the warranty extension from Toyota has expired - 10 years since first use (even though I have only had it for 5 years). I have less than 150,000 miles on this car, which is the the other parameter for service coverage for this problem. Toyota knows these parts fail, and they extended the warranty, BUT there is no recourse i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
Subject: Report of Sudden Unintended Acceleration – 2025 Toyota Camry I am reporting a safety incident involving my 2025 Toyota Camry that occurred on [XXX] at a low speed in a parking lot in Madison, Wisconsin. While driving at a low speed through a parking lot and I began braking and turning into a parking space, my vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly surged forward. The car accelerated withou... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
Engine oil is always law. Engine eats lots of oil.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
seller [XXX] of greenville texas is selling this vehicle and multiple others with rolled back odometers. she claims 127K miles and it had 145K miles in 2018. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off, the contact observed a swishing sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact observed an empty coolant reservoir and coolant was added to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was then test driven but there were not visible failure was found. The contact stated that on another occasion the coolant reservo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
I purchased a 2021 BMW 530e from a BMW dealership still under warranty. Upon driving the vehicle I have noticed that there is a significant jerk forward when the car shifts from first to second. I have owned multiple BMW vehicles in the past and none of them exhibited this condition, but the three times it has been at the dealership for service they state it is normal. This jerking or unintended ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound on cold starts. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the cam phasers; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
Driving at abut 10 mph, my brakes did not respond to pedal pressure... I had to stomp very hard on the brake pedal to have any slow down effect.... various warning messages flashed across the dashboard (see attached files)... After stopping, I turned off the car and turned it back on, the problem continued to exist..... then, after about 1 hour, I tried again and all systems were working fine. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
Safety issue having to replace multiple horns on the vehicle. Known issue from Hyundai America. Would like an investigation, maybe a recall.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no diagnostic trouble codes were retrieved. The dealer replaced the air intake hose, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
AC Electrical System - Vehicle will only blow full Hot air, regardless of the temperature control setting. This has happened many times since ownership (Dec 2023) with many visits to dealership without resolution.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The cars start/stop feature hardly works, and it has just stalled right after the start/stop was engaged and then gave me a message saying “start/stop required” and then was in drive but was rolling backwards and wouldn’t start and then when it finally did start it was a sputtering mess. The start/stop feature consistently struggles to work.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
Sitting at a stop with vehicle in gear such as sitting at red light with auto/start off vehicle feels like it shifts gears with big clunk. In addition occasionally vehicle feels like can't decide what gear to shift into causing clunk. This normally happens at slow speed 35mph and slower.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
On 6/10/2025 noticed a small crack on the left side drivers windshield when getting ready to go to work. Nothing hit it that I know of, it just appeared one afternoon. Since then the crack has been growing and blocking drivers view. This is 2024 Subaru Forester. There is a won lawsuit for Subaru windshields doing similar thing on 2019-2022 models.
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The vehicles MMI multimedia infotainment system will randomly shut off, go blank and reboot. This happens at random intervals and there doesn’t seem to be a pattern to the cause. It also happens at times when trying to back in, this is dangerous as it cuts out the reverse camera and the parking sensors while it reboots. It not only shuts off music it shuts off gps while it reboots. It does it wi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Recall 25C002 was issued for this car seat and remedy kits were sent out. I have two identical car seats, both registered, but only received a kit for one. I reported the issue to Cybex and they indicated they would send another remedy kit, but it has been 6 weeks and I have not yet received it, and they have stopped replying to my messages. I am filing this complaint because they have not met the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
I own a 2022 Kia Seltos that has experienced a persistent coolant leak. I’ve brought the vehicle in multiple times, but each time I was told the issue couldn’t be duplicated. The coolant reservoir was consistently dropping week after week. Dealership had even marked the reservoir with a line for tracking purposes. Despite keeping the vehicle for several days, the technicians were still unable... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Engine coolant pump recall (August 2024) with no remedy to this day. Has caused major smoking issues from exhaust and engine. The turbocharger has been affected and deemed inoperable. Fluid leaks from chassis and engine bay. The car is inoperable. Prior to being unable to drive I was experiencing transmission issues, went for a few repairs but would experience the car coming to a complete stop o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I purchased the vehicle a week before the incident. There were no warning lights or messages and nothing to indicate there was a problem. I was driving in a crowded parking lot so I was going very slow. When I turned my car suddenly died. My husband was passenger and my daughter and 2 sons were in the back. Smoke started coming from the seat and we all rushed out of the car while the seat was on f... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
MMI shuts down and reboots randomly without warning and multiply times a day. All the backup camera and safety warning features were disabled while MMI is off. Huge safety concerns!
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Power steering pump was replaced at 33000 miles 12-7-23. Timing chain seal leak, engine was pulled at 37700 miles 6-19-24. Power steering pump leaking again at 45500 miles 1-3-25. White paint peeling at 45500 miles 1-3-25. Toyota said $1100 for new Power steering pump that is 12500 miles old. They will not cover white paint peeling in 3 areas.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Power steering pump was replaced at 33000 miles 12-7-23. Timing chain seal leak, engine was pulled at 37700 miles 6-19-24. Power steering pump leaking again at 45500 miles 1-3-25. White paint peeling at 45500 miles 1-3-25. Toyota said $1100 for new Power steering pump that is 12500 miles old. They will not cover white paint peeling in 3 areas.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The information screen on the gauge cluster sometimes will stop working. This is dangerous as It is the only part that shows if the vehicle is in Park, Reverse, Nuetral, or drive. It also is the only part that shows the vehicles fuel level, blinker, cruise control, temperature and other warnings and controls. This is a common problem for the 2015- xxxx Yukon and Tahoe.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
P265/60/R20. All wheels are worn severely on outer wheels. One wheel is so severely worn on outer edge it’s into the secondary rubber and I was told it wasn’t safe to drive… Dealership said that it wasn’t safe to drive long distances that it could blow apart… as of know no one had admitted fault and they expect me to cover costs. Truck is 2023 with 19,500 miles on it. Pictures show the w... Read more