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: Aug 11, 2026
The brake calipers and brake rotators in the front are a safety concern. In other recalls the rear calipers and rotors have been flagged for recall. The front also has the same issue. Unrelated the visibility of the front windshield is extremely obstructed by the plastic body that surrounds the windshield. It is over 6 in wide and very unsafe when trying to exit Ally's or before turning at traf... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The brake calipers and brake rotators in the front are a safety concern. In other recalls the rear calipers and rotors have been flagged for recall. The front also has the same issue. Unrelated the visibility of the front windshield is extremely obstructed by the plastic body that surrounds the windshield. It is over 6 in wide and very unsafe when trying to exit Ally's or before turning at traf... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
Cdf drum went bad had to have transmission replaced because of how hard it was shifting
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
I have a 2023 GMC Yukon AT4. The OnStar/telematics system stopped working. The blue OnStar button does not function and the vehicle no longer communicates with the myGMC app, resulting in loss of connected and OnStar services. A GMC dealership diagnosed a failed OnStar/telematics module and advised that the module must be replaced at a cost of approximately $1,200. I am concerned because this fail... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
I was driving down [XXX] at approximately [XXX] this morning and heard a loud bang, then an air sound like window not fully closed, then heard crumbling glass falling into Sunroof shade. Initially I thought I had a tire blowout or someone on the access road fired a pistol. When I stopped and took a picture of the sunroof I saw the front sunroof glass bulging upward and the whole window was cracke... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
The transmission began slipping at 20, 25, 35, and 45 mph by the time we hit 80k miles. The vehicle was out of warranty. We were told it was unaffected by the recalls and not related to the issues affecting other drivers. It now has 167k miles and we have tried having the transmission flushed but it still slips and needs a new transmission. Chevy knows about these issues and refuses to replace the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Complete unmitigated loss of acceleration and power while traveling at highway speeds, creating an immediate life-threatening road hazard. Following a warranty engine replacement and mandatory dealer software flash at Clay Cooley Hyundai (Sherman, TX), the vehicle began experiencing powertrain communication issues. While operating the vehicle at 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle completely failed... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Complete unmitigated loss of acceleration and power while traveling at highway speeds, creating an immediate life-threatening road hazard. Following a warranty engine replacement and mandatory dealer software flash at Clay Cooley Hyundai (Sherman, TX), the vehicle began experiencing powertrain communication issues. While operating the vehicle at 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle completely failed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
The 12 volt battery exhibits a consistent parasitic drain. This is intermittent, but results in the vehicle failing to start. The failure to start is an issue because it is happening frequently and could endanger individuals who live in rural areas or areas with cold or hot climate. This issue has happened to us multiple times and Toyota has not recalled or provided guidance to its dealer service... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Steering column is locked and stays locked either running or with key off and removed.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
Engine blew around May, what caused this issue would be unknown even though the dealership said it was excessive RTV on the oil pan, there was no RTV on the oil pan (i have a picture). I was driving on the highway and slowing down to take my exit, it happened around 25mph, car got stuck on 3rd gear if im not mistaken (its an automatic transmission by the way). Ended up with 3 holes in the engine b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
Car stalled/ went into limp mode 4 separate times for fuel pressure issue. Is not drivable, does not accelerate, throws erroneous error codes. The recall Y91 covers this issue for 2020 Stelvio. When I contact Mopar they say it is not open on my vin. How is this possible?
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
The vehicle contains a known manufacturing defect where the engine coolant bypass valve cracks internally, leaking pressurized fluid directly into the main electrical connector (covered under Toyota CSP 24TE04). This fluid intrusion has caused active electrical short-circuits to the battery and ground networks. As a direct result of this progressive component failure, the vehicle is actively dropp... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
The vehicle contains a known manufacturing defect where the engine coolant bypass valve cracks internally, leaking pressurized fluid directly into the main electrical connector (covered under Toyota CSP 24TE04). This fluid intrusion has caused active electrical short-circuits to the battery and ground networks. As a direct result of this progressive component failure, the vehicle is actively dropp... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
The vehicle contains a known manufacturing defect where the engine coolant bypass valve cracks internally, leaking pressurized fluid directly into the main electrical connector (covered under Toyota CSP 24TE04). This fluid intrusion has caused active electrical short-circuits to the battery and ground networks. As a direct result of this progressive component failure, the vehicle is actively dropp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
Driver gauge instrument screen does not illuminate upon starting vehicle and at times when driving. No MPH or other gauges display. This defect has occurred several times and is intermittent.
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The truck has done this four times since 01/22/2026. While still moving slowly the truck will do this while going down the highway. One other safety issue was when I merged into traffic on the highway (You have to merge into the fast lane at this location) the truck wouldn't go past 4th gear approximately 40 mph with cars coming up on me at 70. All of these problems correct when I can get the truc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the navigation screen was glitching and became inoperable. The service message was displayed. There was a red triangle with an exclamation mark displayed. The vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that the failure was caused by a failure with the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted several times. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The power door-lock system on my 2021 Honda Passport malfunctions while the vehicle is moving. When I make a right turn, the doors unexpectedly unlock, the interior dome light comes on, and I hear the door-unlocking sound. The doors do not physically open, but I must manually lock them again while driving. The problem occurs repeatedly during right turns. This malfunction creates a safety risk be... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
Head gasket failure and overheating. After fixed, power steering has just failed during driving. Will have to have it towed to shop
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
Head gasket failure and overheating. After fixed, power steering has just failed during driving. Will have to have it towed to shop
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
My driver side seat belt will not stay latched. The screen on my dashboard will freeze up and not turn on or off
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
On 6/27/26 at approximately 12:30pm, I was stopped at a red light for about 10-15 seconds at a major intersection. The vehicle was stopped on a slight incline. My feet were not on the pedals, the car was set with one pedal drive engaged at the "high" setting, cruise control/pilot assist was not active, my seatbelt was on, `Creep Forward was disabled, and the car had been completely stationary for ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
COMPONENT: Electric power steering (EPS) rack and pinion assembly. WHAT HAPPENED: The steering on my 2019 Civic EX binds and catches. Returning the wheel toward center after a left turn, the steering does not return smoothly — it hangs up, then releases suddenly, with an audible clicking noise. The condition is worse after the vehicle has been driven and has warmed up. It occurs at parking lot ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the rear windshield glass on my Acura MDX. The rear windshield unexpectedly shattered while the vehicle was stationary, with no known impact or contact with an outside object. I was present when the glass shattered and immediately took multiple photographs and videos before the vehicle was moved. Based on what I observed, the glass appeared to br... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
While driving with apple carplay and maps displayed for directions, Toyota's Experience Drive Connect screen appears on display. The only way to get back to navigation is to pull over shut the car off, or reboot the display by holding the volume button in. It's a safety issue— a driver distraction The owner is held captive with the advertising until they buy a subscription, over and over again
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a detached adaptive valve. The contact was informed that the adaptive valve needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, there was an engine failure, and internal parts fell apart and started grinding into the oil pan. The message "LIMP Mode” and the vehicle failed to exceed 4,000 RPM. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be disassembled to be fully diagnosed. The vehicle was not rep... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
I have now had three instances within the last three months where my car has stalled out at traffic lights when the Idle Stop was engaged. The first two times, the car stalled out when I pressed the shut off switch for the Idle Stop on the center console. I am not sure about the first time since I was surprised the car stalled. The second time it happened, I hit the button twice in immediate succe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); 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 manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
AMENDMENT TO SAFETY COMPLAINT: FAILURE OF RECALL REMEDY / USE OF LEGACY PART Vehicle: 2020 Honda HR-V NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Low-Pressure Fuel Pump) [The 2020 Honda HR-V is under an active, massive federal safety recall for low-pressure fuel pump failure.] Chronological Safety History: •January 2025: Mandatory fuel pump safety recall performed at an authorized Honda franchise. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Every time I park the car outside in the sun these components fail and it starts working once the car is left to cool in shade … this happens even in milder temperature mid 60 to 70 deg F.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
Automated emergency braking triggering unsafely! Two separate occasions: 1) As I was driving about 40 MPH on a 4 lane street in Wyomissing, PA, the car slammed on the brakes. In the median to the left of the car ahead about 20-30 ft was a "your car is going XX MPH" sign. It was NOT in the road. If a car had been following me closely, this could have caused a serious accident. The road had a s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
Gas tank expansion and pcv melted. Car smells like gas when I was driving earlier, and my garage was flooded with the fumes of gasoline.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
Underwent Ford safety recall 26S28 on 7/27. After safety recall, check engine light remained on. Mobile service returned on 7/29, and tech stated that "engine relearn process" was not completed. He stated that he completed the recall. One hour later (next time I drove the truck) while going over 70 mph on the interstate, truck shifted down and revolutions shot up. Loud bang from under the truck. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
While driving my vehicle, I have noticed a significant decrease in power and a corresponding slowdown, particularly in traffic conditions. This has resulted in a near-miss collision with another vehicle in the rear. Furthermore, attempting to accelerate the vehicle has proven futile. ps. The dealer where I brought the vehicle is kinda giving me a hard time & I fear for my family safety. honestly... Read more
BMW
M550I
(2018) - EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:LINES AND FITTINGS
Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Keystone Hideout. While inspecting the RV, the contact became aware that the propane line had been damaged by the shackle kit on the right side of the RV. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The RV was not taken to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The horn on the steering wheel rarely works UNLESS it is pressed directly in the middle. I have tried to honk the horn when there is a safety event but it rarely works. This is definitely a safety issue. This has been going on since I bought the car June 2022. Full self drive is also unsafe and it will make sudden turns, accelerate too quickly, or have phantom braking. This can be unsafe for othe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
Formal safety complaint against dealer for recall malpractice and non-compliance with federal safety repair procedures under Campaign 21V635000. During recall service, the service department completely bypassed the mandatory TOPIx Workshop Manual Section 310-01 electronic priming sequence, leaving high-pressure fuel rails completely dry upon reassembly. Bypassing this safety protocol introduced se... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2026
The vehicle has exhibited intermittent drivability and safety-related concerns after a prior collision repair. The concerns include delayed acceleration/engagement, abnormal jerking or stopping behavior, and elevated RPM behavior during real-world driving. The most recent documented event occurred on July 27, 2026, while the vehicle was in Drive at approximately 50 mph with cruise/driver-assist in... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2026
The vehicle has exhibited intermittent drivability and safety-related concerns after a prior collision repair. The concerns include delayed acceleration/engagement, abnormal jerking or stopping behavior, and elevated RPM behavior during real-world driving. The most recent documented event occurred on July 27, 2026, while the vehicle was in Drive at approximately 50 mph with cruise/driver-assist in... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
What component or system failed? When the BCEM failed on my car, it led directly to the transmission failing as well as the PIM. I was driving normally then had a completely inoperable car with no warning. I was told to pay over $17k for repairs by the dealership because there is no recall on the transmission, but I see proof that this is a common issue among Volt users. There needs to be a recal... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Current Unsafe Conditions: Post-Replacement Active Safety Failures. The vehicle presently exhibits two distinct categories of active, ongoing, and dangerous safety failures, both of which were introduced as a direct result of the engine replacement performed by Monument Chevrolet: (a) Severe Drivability Failure. Between approximately 1,500 and 5,000 RPM, the engine repeatedly and without warning l... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
My car randomly gave me alerts that my steering alignment fault then came the following two days later Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable Feature may be restored on next drive 20:55 | DI_a246 Automatic vehicle hold disabled Use brake pedal when stopping 20:55 | DI_a223 Traction control disabled Drive with caution 20:55 | APP_W264 Lane Departure Avoidance features unavailable Features may ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
My car randomly gave me alerts that my steering alignment fault then came the following two days later Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable Feature may be restored on next drive 20:55 | DI_a246 Automatic vehicle hold disabled Use brake pedal when stopping 20:55 | DI_a223 Traction control disabled Drive with caution 20:55 | APP_W264 Lane Departure Avoidance features unavailable Features may ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was driving roughly. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and the vehicle felt as if the brake pedal was being depressed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, and the contact was informed that the coolant h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I am reporting two issues with my vehicle that I believe require further attention and repair assistance. I am requesting that both issues be properly repaired without any charges to me. There are no warning lights, error messages, or other dashboard warnings related to either issue. However, both conditions are abnormal and affecting the vehicle’s operation and ownership experience. 1. Steerin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
On Monday, January 5, 2026 at approximately 3:15 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, in the middle of stopped traffic (leftmost lane, southbound on Van Nuys Boulevard near the Saticoy Street intersection in Los Angeles, California), the vehicle, a 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE, suddenly started slowly moving backward. The driver pressed on the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not stop. In a panic, the dri... Read more