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: Mar 20, 2025
I was driving down the road and my right side curtain airbag deployed. I did let my insurance company know but was told that they couldn’t do anything for me since it was not an accident. I called the local Mazda dealership and they told me that they could inspect the vehicle but it would not be on them. That it could have been a rat that chewed on something to cause it to deploy because I was n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
While driving my car my check engine light started blinking and then went solid. I went to get the codes checked and they had originally thought it was something with the spark plug. After driving the car around a little longer the check engine light started to blink and then my engine would not allow me to go over 25 miles without shuddering violently. I took my car into a local dealership where ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Power steering intermittently goes out. Mostly when it's hot out, slow speeds, and cornering.
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The 2nd row passenger side headrest failed to latch in the upright position and prevents anyone from sitting in the seat since the headrest is almost horizontal. I reported it to the dealer and they will replace the headrest due to a plastic piece in the latch broke. While waiting for the part to come in the driver’s side 2nd row headrest also failed to latch. Upon inspection the same plastic pi... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Cam Phaser issues. Constant rattle on start up.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The connector that connects to the air conditioning temperature knob melted this is the second time in the 4 years I have owned the vehicle
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
At 53,000 miles the Coolant Control Valve has failed 2 times. A very common problem many owners have had. 1st CCV replaced at 45,000, second lasted less than 10,000 miles. Truck is forced into “reduced acceleration”. Part is on back order with no estimated ship date. Some owners are reporting wait times of 3 months or more. No loaner provided, was told truck is “safe to drive”. With reduce... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
When I went to start my vehicle on 6/26/25, I noticed that the instrument cluster was stating an error: "COMPASS IS NOT AVAILABLE". The vehicle continues to go through an entire list of items not available. including the radio and infotainment system, navigation. I should also mention that the dash also was showing that the outside camera was not available to me. I live in a small town and shoppi... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2025
The vehicle was purchased 8/5/2023. 8/23/2023 the vehicle stalled while at the bus stop with kids. Would not start again. 10/26/2025 the vehicle again stalled but at a red light during rush hour. During this event I attempted to use the hazards so the traffic approaching was aware it was not working. The hazard lights would not work. The vehicle was not even allowing the neutral position to allow ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
This model engine is a common complaint easily found by quick internet searches. They have recalled SOME models, but not all. This car uses EXTREME amounts of oil. It is not normal. I have not had a car in my 38 years of driving that used anything even close. I do not have any leaks. This car requires 1 quart of oil every 500-700 miles. This is horrible for maintenance. It is very dangerous to a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Backup camera is blue screened. Says to see dealer . Vehicle only has 28,009 miles on it. Thx
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a gap between the body and the frame on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Not sure what failed. At around 8:30 am on a sunny clear day the driver was maneuvering slowly up a ramp between first and second floors of a parking garage at the college campus where the driver works. Driver paused the vehicle and slowly turned to the right to park in an open spot about halfway up the ramp. There was a large concrete pillar to the right of the parking spot and a low steel cab... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Not sure what failed. At around 8:30 am on a sunny clear day the driver was maneuvering slowly up a ramp between first and second floors of a parking garage at the college campus where the driver works. Driver paused the vehicle and slowly turned to the right to park in an open spot about halfway up the ramp. There was a large concrete pillar to the right of the parking spot and a low steel cab... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
Sensors that activate when objects are close to vehicle and are supposed to warn collision do not work at all. Sometimes they activate when there are no obstacles at all and the vehicle is stationary. Pedestrians are not noticed nor are objects/vehicles that are in the way as the vehicle is in motion (and even stationary). Also the system seems to reboot at will while driving.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
Sensors that activate when objects are close to vehicle and are supposed to warn collision do not work at all. Sometimes they activate when there are no obstacles at all and the vehicle is stationary. Pedestrians are not noticed nor are objects/vehicles that are in the way as the vehicle is in motion (and even stationary). Also the system seems to reboot at will while driving.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The brakes on my Airstream travel trailer have malfunctioned. The brakes started to “grab”, and the only way I could stop the grabbing was to reduce the gain on the brake controller from 5 – 5 ½ to 3 – 3 ½. At one time in a parking lot the trailer brakes brought my entire rig to a halt after I had gently applied the brakes and then released them. I am concerned that this issue is a sa... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The brakes on my Airstream travel trailer have malfunctioned. The brakes started to “grab”, and the only way I could stop the grabbing was to reduce the gain on the brake controller from 5 – 5 ½ to 3 – 3 ½. At one time in a parking lot the trailer brakes brought my entire rig to a halt after I had gently applied the brakes and then released them. I am concerned that this issue is a sa... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
When accelerating the transmission shakes violently under the hood. It shakes so bad that other vehicles can hear it the vibration is intense until you take your foot off the gas and then try to accelerate again it happens a few times then it’ll stop until the next red light. Slowly accelerating makes it worse but doesn’t matter either way.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 80 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated an abnormal sound could be heard coming from the engine. The vehicle stalled and the contact's wife was unable to move to the side of the road. The message "Shift to neutral and pre... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the message "Engine Power Reduced” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle the lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump, causing fuel to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks and have experienced recurring and unpredictable electrical and system malfunctions while driving. At times, a "Malfunction, see owner's manual" warning appears on the dashboard, accompanied by multiple warning lights including: Forward collision warning Slippery road / traction control warning. Occasionally, the high beam headlights turn on by themselves, and I have noti... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. 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. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into several cylin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I bought the truck 3.5 months ago with 66,000 miles with a recall (reprogramming) on the transmission already done according to the dealer. Then yesterday on 6/25 the truck stuttered then shifted hard. When I got to my destination it didn’t have reverse. But no warning lights. So I drove it to the dealer and before I got there it did it again and sent the truck into a power loss mode this time ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
I purchased the 2025 Lyriq new on May 11, 2025. On May 30th with 5400 miles on the car, the front right wheel tie rod snapped off while driving causing the wheel to turn sideways. I was making a turn on a secondary sheet when it happened and was able to pull to the side of the road. Had I been driving on the highway at the time, I could have been killed or hurt another driver. I had the car towed... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
I purchased the 2025 Lyriq new on May 11, 2025. On May 30th with 5400 miles on the car, the front right wheel tie rod snapped off while driving causing the wheel to turn sideways. I was making a turn on a secondary sheet when it happened and was able to pull to the side of the road. Had I been driving on the highway at the time, I could have been killed or hurt another driver. I had the car towed... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was turning on and off continuously while driving. The contact stated that the failure was causing a distraction while driving. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable while reversing. Additionally, the infotainment system was inoperable. The check engine warning light was il... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was turning on and off continuously while driving. The contact stated that the failure was causing a distraction while driving. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable while reversing. Additionally, the infotainment system was inoperable. The check engine warning light was il... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
UConnect recall started in 2024 with Radio disconnecting/dropping connections intermittently. Got 1st fix that fixed it briefly, then began dropping connections again. They did 3 fixes with the last one saying, finally a remedy! Well 4 months later, issue begins again! The connecting, disconnecting, to reconnecting started again on my UConnect Radio!! It will drop connections, reconnect then p... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel pump How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, vehicle stopped unexpectedly and and wasn’t accelerating Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?no Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
Steering sticks and will not return to center without correction. I am told there is a recall for 2022 models for this same issue.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
On 6/16/2025 I was driving home and my car dinged and a light came up on my dash All Wheel Drive System Problem and felt funny. I was almost home and when turning off and back on it went off. Two days later I was almost home and the same thing and did not drive right. I got it to a Honda dealer and they determined it was the rear differential pump motor based on the code. They replaced it yest... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact became aware of coolant fluid stains on the ground. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the radiator fan. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that coolant fluid had accumulated on the fender under the radiator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator seal had failed... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
While driving 55 mph down the road the window trim flew off of the rear driver side window and a week later the other side flew off hitting the car behind us. Not a very safe thing to be happening while driving.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
On June 5 th the vehicle was going approximately 50 miles per hour in the middle lane. I placed on the brakes suddenly and car lost power and stalled out. Unable to restart vehicle for 5-10 minutes on the freeway. Significant safety concern due to vehicles sudden stall out in mid the highway traffic and unable to restart car. Almost hit from behind as well as others that followed from behind. On... 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 23, 2025
The car is sporadically saying passenger restraint system, going on and off.
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 11, 2024
The contact owned a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 38 MPH with his sister inside the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lost steering and braking functionality and failed to stop as intended, causing the vehicle to drive through a crosswalk. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to respond while being tur... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the camshaft and valve train needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
My auto has a problem with the brake light on the drivers side not working at some times. The issue seems to happen almost every 6 months or so. The first time it stopped working, I took my auto to the dealership where i purchased it from costing me about $65.00, the second time 6 months later the brake light went out again. The bulb was replaced by the dealership at no charge, I was told that th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The Jeep Uconnect System control screen has delaminated form normal use which is a well documented issue on thousands of jeeps from online research. The delamination now has the vehicle pushing buttons on the screen by itself and changing safety parameters while driving. I have a video showing that while I am driving and not pushing any buttons the screen is frantically changing steering parameter... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Excessive Tire failure on "AMG" 21 inch wheel and tires. Pirelli tires have replaced 4 tires in four months. cracks in side wall bubbling.
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
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: Aug 13, 2024
Dash is black & does not show anything when car is started and/or moving
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Dash is black & does not show anything when car is started and/or moving