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: Feb 28, 2025
I was driving on a road that was very rough with many bumps and the car (well in front of me) began to slow down to avoid a big pot hole, I applied my brakes to slow down before I got close to that car. Because the road was rough, as many others have filed the same complaint now, my Palisade engaged the ABS and the car coasted much farther than it shoudl have with the amount of brake pressure I wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the blind spot warning light was inoperable, and the Forward Collision Avoidance assist sensor warning light was deactivated on the instrument cluster. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electrical system and harness had failed and needed to be repl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
When 4h on transfer case is on,the front tire wobble when turning even in a slow driving speed. Also suspension is very horrible when the vehicle is running on an uneven pavement driver and passenger were like being shaken inside left to right vise versa .
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Automatic transmission failure burnt smell started coming from the engine compartment but didn't see anything because the engine air filter was on the way but after removing it there was a leak coming from the top of the transmission vehicle only has 129,598 miles and I was in the highway when I notice vehicle deaccelarating and had to pull over almost cause a. Accident because I was in the middle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Constant emergency braking when I’m not near another vehicle.
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering functionality. The contact stated that the message “Power Steering Failure - Stop Driving Vehicle” was displayed. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, wh... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
I was driving on I85 North north of Atlanta merging off of I285 East in the second to the left hand lane when a light came on the dash saying "low oil pressure". I looked at the oil pressure gauge and it was at zero and there was black smoke from the back of the vehicle from oil hitting the exhaust. There was absolutely no indication of any issue at any time. I was able to coast into the emergency... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure became a persistent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The fuel gauge-odometer indicator dash cluster goes blank and/or scrambles-then goes dark with no info.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Hi! This vehicle stopped twice in the middle of a road on its own. Vehicle was driving fine and the next second it slowed down and wouldn’t accelerate as I would push the gas pedal. It’s as if the engine shut down due to the car signals not transmitting correctly. The screen started blinking on and off giving me warnings and one of them said “Service Shifter!” My safety and my children’s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Rear Racetrack LED lightning is failing due to water intrusion. This could also possibly cause electrical issues to the license plate lights and back up camera. When in bad weather, other drivers could fail to see the back of my car, and could get into an accident. Yes, dealer stated that the cost is 1500 to fix. The Durango has 60K miles. Dealer only. No warning just a fellow driver reported my ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Rear Racetrack LED lightning is failing due to water intrusion. This could also possibly cause electrical issues to the license plate lights and back up camera. When in bad weather, other drivers could fail to see the back of my car, and could get into an accident. Yes, dealer stated that the cost is 1500 to fix. The Durango has 60K miles. Dealer only. No warning just a fellow driver reported my ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and passing another vehicle, the vehicle stalled... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
I bought a brand new 2025 Elantra N at a dealership in IL. It had 25 miles on the dash and still had the plastic on it. We tried to drive it home and there was no A/C. The local dealership in MS inspected it and it needs a brand new evaporator core. They said it came from the factory needing this repair.
Incident date: May 7, 2025
I recently purchased a 2025 4Runner and currently have approximately 1,000 miles on it. On Sunday, as I was driving from Sedona to Phoenix on Interstate 17, I heard an odd sound from the driver’s front tire area. Upon inspection, at least one screw/bolt was missing on the front spoiler and it was hanging loose and rubbing against the tire. The edge had been rubbing against the front tire as I ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The powertrain control systems transmission shift solenoids is not responding as expected or is stuck in the on position. Some transmission gears may not being available resulting in delayed or harsh shifts into another gear. The vehicle has a shutter that didn’t throw any codes. The vehicle was inspected at a Ford dealer and was told they see nothing wrong and no codes. Withing 30 miles the ca... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the vehicle with a gasoline odor coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet avai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle however, the steering wheel became extremely stiff. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the steering unit had ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Had the car repaired because it stalls at stop signs or waiting for the traffic lights to change has a new turn up and carburetor and had a second opinion and they couldn’t find why but the car still stalled
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
We were lied to by Sandy Sansing Chevrolet in Pensacola Florida. We bought a 2023 GMC 1500 SLT 6.2 liter engine (L87 V8 gas powered engine. We were told that there was nothing wrong with it and it was a previous owner that owned it. When in fact it was sold at auction! There were no problems or issues when in fact they new about serious issues and problems. GMC was able to listen to my issue and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
We were lied to by Sandy Sansing Chevrolet in Pensacola Florida. We bought a 2023 GMC 1500 SLT 6.2 liter engine (L87 V8 gas powered engine. We were told that there was nothing wrong with it and it was a previous owner that owned it. When in fact it was sold at auction! There were no problems or issues when in fact they new about serious issues and problems. GMC was able to listen to my issue and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Most likely a connecting rod bearing failure leading to catastrophic engine failure per dealership service department. Vehicle is currently available for inspection. Safety was put at risk by engine part (likely connecting rod bearing) coming loose. It flew through my oil pan and bounced off the road, fortunately no people or other vehicles were hit by the part. Vehicle lost power and engine start... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
This is a safety concern regarding the emergency breakaway switch, to engage the electric brakes upon a hitch disconnect senerio. I understand the breakaway switch is to be powered directly from the onboard battery with no fuses or disconnects. I found my disconnect switch is powered through the AUX power connection of the 7 pin wire harness, and it is both fused and behind the disconnect switch... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
This is a safety concern regarding the emergency breakaway switch, to engage the electric brakes upon a hitch disconnect senerio. I understand the breakaway switch is to be powered directly from the onboard battery with no fuses or disconnects. I found my disconnect switch is powered through the AUX power connection of the 7 pin wire harness, and it is both fused and behind the disconnect switch... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
While driving my vehicle, with around 85,000 miles, the engine suddenly began running rough and felt jerky and sluggish. This was concerning and potentially dangerous situation, as the engine failure happened while I was travelling at high speed. A sudden loss of power on the highway put me and other drivers at serious risk. The check engine light came on, so I pulled over as soon as I could safel... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
While driving my vehicle, with around 85,000 miles, the engine suddenly began running rough and felt jerky and sluggish. This was concerning and potentially dangerous situation, as the engine failure happened while I was travelling at high speed. A sudden loss of power on the highway put me and other drivers at serious risk. The check engine light came on, so I pulled over as soon as I could safel... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The MMI system in car will shut down and reboot many times while driving. If in the process of backing up or parking, it will disable the parking sensors as well. I have taken into dealership and they claim it is an iphone update issue. I have contacted Apple, they are not aware of any such issue.
Incident date: May 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Two local dealers were made aware of the issue, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
When i get in my truck to leave after my truck is parked for awhile, and take off after i stop i get a rattling which sounds like its coming from the engine. I brought my truck into the dealship when i noticed the probelm but of course the techs " couldnt hear it". I hear it everyday since!
Incident date: May 3, 2025
On [XXX], at [XXX], while driving at 65 mph on [XXX] between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, VA, the front panoramic sunroof of my 2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i spontaneously shattered without warning. The sunroof and interior sunshade were fully closed, with no prior damage or warning signs. The glass exploded with a loud gunshot-like noise, causing glass to fall into the cabin. My wife, who was driving,... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
On the highway from Chicago to Boston while driving 70 MPH my car had LOST ALL power. I was barely able to get car from left lane to right side of road. Truck almost hit us. We immediately reported incident to our dealership and their response was “we have nothing but problems bring the car in”. We were 300 miles away and they said there was nothing they can do. I restarted car and appeared n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
El motor de mi camioneta falló por completo empezó a hacerle unos ruidos muy fuertes dentro del motor con solo 80,000 millas es del 2021 la compré el año pasado no llegó ni un año de uso una camioneta que supuestamente era muy buenas Estaba en el momento de lo sucedido estaba con mi mujer y mi hijo en el auto regresábamos de un restaurante acá en Miami y la camioneta se paró de pronto L... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
El motor de mi camioneta falló por completo empezó a hacerle unos ruidos muy fuertes dentro del motor con solo 80,000 millas es del 2021 la compré el año pasado no llegó ni un año de uso una camioneta que supuestamente era muy buenas Estaba en el momento de lo sucedido estaba con mi mujer y mi hijo en el auto regresábamos de un restaurante acá en Miami y la camioneta se paró de pronto L... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
On April 26, 2025, while driving my 2022 BMW X3, the vehicle suddenly emitted smoke and caught fire. Fortunately, all five passengers, including myself, were able to exit the car before it became fully engulfed in flames. The car was destroyed and is a total loss. The BMW app later displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” message, which did not appear until after the fire had already started. The... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Loud noise coming from under vehicle. Exhaust leak front flex pipe.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon driving the vehicle, the low oi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
Safety Recall 19B/NHTSA 24V-198/SABIC Inflator. Two (2) recall notices have been received (March 2024 and May 2025). A local Chicago area dealership, Tyson Chrysler, advises that replacement parts have not been received for the 2019 model vehicles, but have been received for model years 2020 and 2021. As a result, the potential danger associated with possible rupture of the SABIC Inflator Curtai... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2025
The door paneling has warped on all 4 doors of the car. I purchased the car a year ago from a Lexus dealership here in Tucson I am concerned about safety of my airbags in the car doors
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
ALL OF A SUDDEN, ALL OF MY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INCLUDING: BRAKE LIGHT, CHECK VCS SYSTEM, ABS, ALL OF THE EXCLAMATION LIGHTS, ETC.. IVE BEEN VERY DILIGENT ABOUT THE MAINTENACE ON Y VEHICLE AND HAD THE CODES READ AND RESET, BUT THEY KEEP COMING BACK ON. THE MAJOR ISSUES ARE THE ABS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER EROR CODE & THE ABS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO BREAK. IVE HAD IT LOOKED AT AND THE MECHANICS ARE SA... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the contact rolled over a bump and the vehicle started to shudder and sway to the left and right violently. The contact slowed down to 20 MPH and regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two years prior. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
Warning lights came on, unable to see speedometer screen. Mechanic removed and replaced front wheel speed sensor and abs wheel sensor.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The rear passenger door light on dash come on stating that the rear door is open and the interior dome light go to flashing as well. When it first occurred, I was on the highway coming back from Indianapolis Indiana with my family and we were afraid the entire way home not knowing if the car would cut off on the highway. Yes, I took it to the dealership they stated that they couldn't do anything u... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and approaching a light, there was an abnormal ticking and knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Eng... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Driving on hwy at 60 mph on regular day going home and trucks all off sudden started rattling and engine knocking very loud , engine started crashing loosing power , has to merge to side of road and call tow truck
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and oil warning lights were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the following day, the contact's wife drove the vehicle to the dealer, and there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. The contact stated that the check engine and START/STOP warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not ... Read more