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: Mar 20, 2025
Air bag light is on again. This car has had other recalls / complaints for airbags before. Airbags are safety , to protect drivers and passengers. This needs to be addressed.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that several nearby drivers assisted with pushing the vehicle off the roadway. The contact stated that the first failure occurred the d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
When putting the vehicle into park, the vehicle says it is still not into park even though we shift it into park. The vehicle will roll down a grade.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
This incident to my truck has happened twice. First time on [XXX] and this last time on [XXX]. I was driving and all of a sudden the truck downshifted, loss power even when pressing on the gas then again all of a sudden the tach. and the engine will Rev up very high then lunge forward. This last time my truck made a big jerk. This really scared me. I pulled over and called a tow truck because I w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
This incident to my truck has happened twice. First time on [XXX] and this last time on [XXX]. I was driving and all of a sudden the truck downshifted, loss power even when pressing on the gas then again all of a sudden the tach. and the engine will Rev up very high then lunge forward. This last time my truck made a big jerk. This really scared me. I pulled over and called a tow truck because I w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact’s son owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V030000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe was punctured. The contact was advised that the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
While using the adaptive cruise control, the speed of the vehicle rapids accelerates. If set to any speed less than 50, the vehicle speeds up to 56mph. If set to any speed greater than 56 but less than 86 mph, the speed of the vehicle accelerates to 86 mph. I have tested this issue over and over. I haven't talked to the dealership yet, but plan to today. Very scary to have the vehicle accel... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
On [XXX] brought Maverick 24 2.0L gas AWD on Electronic Control Unit ( ECU) to Ford Dealer#3 PJ Ford. Was advised Hybrid trucks have ECU on inside bulkhead rear cab wall behind flip down seat. However on later 2.0 L options gas are mounted behind driver side front bumper near and behind front driver side plastic/ fabric wheel well parallel to shot axel ( CVJ) approximately 12 high from ground. Up... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
The radio touch screen is defective. It does not respond to touches and does things on its own (ghost touches). Subaru and Harman Kardon are aware of the problem and even extended the warranty but unless your unit failed within the warranty window you're out of luck. The problem is this -- these units are now an integral part of vehicle functionality and a malfunctioning unit is a serious safety... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
Driver side rear door does not open from outside nor the inside . This is a safety concern because in an event of emergency we need to be able to exit the vehicle through all doors
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
When at highway speeds, steering “sticks” requiring extra effort to initiate a correction. This extra effort often results in an “overcorrection” and “lurching” of auto. Has not been confirmed by dealer, but seems to be worsening since first noted. No warnings lamps. No additional inspections.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 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 local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact to wait for the correspondence from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of ti... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I have received at least two recalls on the ICCU component on my Kia EV6, which were taken to the dealership for repair per the recall. On April 4, 2025, my vehicle displayed the "Check Electric Vehicle Systems" and "Stop vehicle and check power supply" alerts. It had to be towed to the dealership, as it cannot be driven. They called and stated it was related and the part is on back order for the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Without warning the vehicle came to an abrupt stop while going about 25 mph. I got out and checked and noticed a liquid dripping from underneath the front area of the vehicle. Later determined it was the front transfer case. I really would hate to think what could have happened at higher speeds. Again, no warning at all.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
This vehicle is affected by the same symptoms as the service bulletin 24-117 2023-2025 CRV with the "sticky steering" recall. After doing some homework, Honda clearly needs to expand the recall to include ALL affected vehicles, including 2019-2022 CRV. These are the EXACT sympoms my vehicle is experiencing and yet my VIN "isn't included". The problem has been happening since before the 23-25 model... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake warning lamp remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the brake booster vacuum line was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon his daughter attempting to enter the vehicle through the front driver’s side door, the door failed to open. The contact stated that his daughter opened the front passenger’s side door and there was black smoke coming from inside the vehicle. The contact’s daughter discovered that the front driver’s side seat, d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and then towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with internal clutch failure. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The valve body on my transmission failed and needs to be repaired again. It was already replaced by gm, 1k miles later it failed again.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Vehicle Information: •Year, Make, Model: 2016 BMW 328i GT •VIN: Provide VIN •Mileage: Insert Mileage Description of the Problem: I am experiencing recurring drivetrain malfunctions and overheating issues with my 2016 BMW 328i GT, which is currently under a nationwide recall issued in August 2024. Despite having coolant in the system, the vehicle overheats and displays a “drivetrain malfunc... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Front and rear suspension/control arms appears to have squeaky noises when approaching a turn or going a speed bump.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
It has been one year from the first recall and they keep putting the repair off I think they have had plenty of time to make these parts I think they don't want to fix these cars in hopes that we will forget or they can blame us for this mistake that they made . At any rate this will be the last Ford I buy . [XXX] Cincinnati Ohio INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
I came to a stop a light in a busy intersection. The auto start/stop feature turned off the engine. When the light turned green, the car would not start and put us in danger from traffic approaching from the rear. When trying to start the car with the push button, it made one click and nothing more. The lights and other electrical systems seemed to behave and appear as normal. No warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Vehicle produced error without any warning about propulsion system no longer working shortly after low fuel warning when tank is fuel and engine fails and vehicles comes to a crawl.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
I have two recalls (1, improper production of the high-pressure fuel pump; and 2, improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel) on my car that I have called multiple dealerships about remedying - each time, they have let me know the necessary parts to repair are on back order. I'm most worried about my future safety being at risk considering I have plans to travel long distance soon (one way tr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the front driver's side windshield A-pillar trim detached. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front passenger's side windshield A-pillar trim had detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
These are exact words from dealer. “PULLED VVT FROM MOTOR AND FOUND A LOT OF METAL SHAVINGS ON IT. AS SHOWN IN VIDEO AND PICTURE. FOUND TSB S1709000010 - REV B. Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. AS PER TSB, NEED TO REPLACE MOTOR DUE TO METAL SHAVINGS INSIDE OILING SYSTEM. THE DEBRIS MAY CLOG OIL PORTS INSIDE MOTOR AND CREATE ISSUES IN THE... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact stated that there was a fuel burning odor comin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
I was driving on Single Pedal Drive on a freeway with the 2024 BMW IX, there was a slow down ahead of me. I removed my foot from the pedal and waited for car to slow down, but car didn't slow down enough. Then I slammed the brakes hard, but the brake didn't engage. In fact, brakes were pushed back against my foot. I was slamming the brakes as hard as I could, but i couldn't feel the brakes letting... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
ICCU failure, no time line for replacement Car at dealer for over a month
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
ICCU failure, no time line for replacement Car at dealer for over a month
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
My car is an EV. I was charging the vehicle and it quit. I had just enough charge to limp to the dealership where it was diagnosed with ICCU failure. According to you records my car is not under a recall but the part failed. Glad I wasn't on the road. So my car has sat at the dealership since February 24th. Hyundai doesn't seem concerned about getting the parts to the dealership. This is wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that oil was leaked underneath the vehicle onto the ground. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Supplemental Restraint System Issue warning light illuminated on dash board. Immediately took to dealer and dealer diagnosed to be bad air bag sensor. No prior warning lights have been noticed
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
I started the 2021 Yukon Denali this morning and there was a slight squeaking noise coming from the front of the car. I began driving and the noise went away. I parked the car and completed an errand. I then started the car to return home and on the way it started making the noise but much louder. I pulled over and the car died and refused to start. GMC Roadside Assistance sent two different... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the temperature gauge warning light illuminated, and the engine started to overheat. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became inoperable. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
At only 68,000 miles, my check engine light came on with code "P0456", which indicates that my Evaporative Emission System has a leak. These leaks lead to increased emissions and fuel loss. The solution is to replace the Emission System Integrity Monitor (ESIM). The life expectancy of this part is 150,000 miles. It should not leak at less than half its life expectancy. I contacted the local dealer... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his son was driving 60 MPH on the highway, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into second gear while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that an unknown warning light had illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed again however, the vehicle remained in first gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The contact's employer owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started in the morning, there was a small puddle of fuel pooling under the fuel tank lid. The contact was not aware of any warning light being illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the leak was from the fuel f... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The APIM failed in both my ESCAPE and F150. These vehicles are under 65,000 miles and are 2018. This is a known issue, and is all over Internet forums. The APIM failure has resulted in no rear camera, screen, radio, or USB ports.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Our engine light came on in our 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with 51,917 miles on it on February 3, 2025, so we immediately visited our Ford dealer. The codes were P0302 and P0316 for misfire. Repairs completed included spark plugs, induction kit, air intake cleaner, sealant belts and gaskets, brake cleaner, antifreeze, and oil conditioner. We paid $3,979.21 for this repair. We picked up the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 fail... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lost motive power. The "Power Train Malfunction" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer the following day. T... Read more
BMW
428I
(2015) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Apr 3, 2025
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with cruise control activated, the RPM's suddenly increased to over 4,000 and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Experienced catastrophic engine failure while driving down the highway. Was able to coast to a turning lane in an intersection then once I came to a stop my truck proceeded to go into park and was not able to be moved. Engine would no longer start/turn over and vechile remained in park without begin able to go into neutral so had to wait for roll back tow truck to load my truck while sitting in th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
My battery will not hold a charge. This will not allow me to remote start or unlock doors. The interior lights don’t come on at night. It happens probably 10 times a month.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the RPM was not increasing on the gauge on the instrument cluster. There was no warning illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. Additionally, the conta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
When driving my entire window switch controller unit stopped working on the driver's side. At the time the window was partially down. After research I came to find this has been a common problem with the switch unit in Expeditions, F150s, Explorers. This is a safety issue as you cannot get the window to roll up which allows rain and snow to enter the driver's side door and affect your vision. Also... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The rear lightbar was replaced under a safety recall with a defective part. The replacement started flickering after 4 months and the reverse lights would strobe due to moisture. The dealership inspected and determined it was defective,not damaged and Ford has agreed to pay 60 percent only. Safety recall 23s30
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
I went for my regular wheel alignment last week and was told my tires need to be replaced - the tread was down to 3/32. I only have 30000 miles on the vehicle. I called Continental and was told the tires are considered a "performance" tire and therefore have no tread warranty. I bought a new set o Michelin Defender tires today. When I look on line, Tire Rack for example says the tires should b... Read more