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 3, 2025
There is still no remedy for current recall on my jeep. This is my only vehicle and I have a young child. How am I supposed to feel safe driving to even just the grocery store for basic needs when there is an ongoing safety recall. I'm just at a loss of what to do.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
Car “died” while idling at a traffic light. It started but would not start several hours later and car was towed to mechanic. Diagnostics “determined “after several days that car needed an ECM. ECM was ordered and replaced, along with the battery. This took several weeks, in the meantime, I had to rent a vehicle. Vehicle picked up on May 29th and driven 250 miles and car sputtered, hesit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the instrument panel failed to display critical safety information or provide illumination for any warning lights. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2025
[XXX] once again while diving down the road 45mph Terrain once again goes in to park ,I was lucky the lady behind me wasn't to close .Also I contacted onstar when I was able to get vehicle moving at the store ..I told her what happen she ran diagnostics while parked at store said there was no codes I let onstar know this has happened several times..I had no warning, no indication, no lights came o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
At highway speeds, under moderate acceleration, the vehicle downshifts unexpectedly. It causes sudden loss of torque. Has happened when trying to overtake and caused sudden vehicle deceleration in the passing lane, which is dangerous.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
My truck would engage the emergency braking without any objects near. Battery needed to be replaced due to not charging. The etorque is making noise and vibrating.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
My truck would engage the emergency braking without any objects near. Battery needed to be replaced due to not charging. The etorque is making noise and vibrating.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Transmission needs to be replaced at 60k miles. This issue seems to be encountered way too often with this vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2019
During a 150-mile ride, I experienced that while braking for a stop or a traffic slowdown, this unit shifted into neutral, and all of the dash warning lights came on at the same time. This happened 5 times during the ride. I had to coast to the side of the road, shut down, and restart the engine. Once, almost being rear-ended by a vehicle, and I didn't have the power to get to the side of the roa... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
2 bolts came lose in engine, need timing belt replaced, caused oil leak and other problems yet to be identified. Volkswagen admitted that should never happen but will not take responsibility
Incident date: May 15, 2025
2016 Ford F-150 XLT panoramic sunroof rails damaged not adhered to truck properly and water leaking into Vehicle. excessive water damage from faulty Sunroof. Danger of separation from roof and breaking and flying off.
Incident date: May 23, 2025
Sometimes, the breaks will not go all the way down to the floor and act like theyre not working. it's very odd and only does it once in a while. i have constant issues with the technology in the car. it changes my music, the buttons get stuck and my it acts up. my aunt has the same model and is running into the same issues. i never received a letter in the mail about the last recall and have had i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
My front camera is often unavailable. I took it in multiple times and they couldn’t find an issue. Recently my back up camera has been acting up. It is unavailable most of the time, other times the screen is black, sometimes it’ll work and then cut out. There is a recall on other ford vehicles for this issue. I looked up if it needs a software update and it doesn’t. We’ve checked the cam... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2025
Safety Concern: 2023 Honda Pilot – Persistent False Seat Belt Warnings (2nd & 3rd Row Seats) Issue Description: Repeated false seat belt warnings originating from: Second-row middle seat Third-row passenger-side seat The system triggers loud, repetitive auditory alerts and dashboard warnings even when seats are unoccupied or belts are properly buckled. Attempted fixes (unbuckling/rebuckling, ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2025
Safety Concern: 2023 Honda Pilot – Persistent False Seat Belt Warnings (2nd & 3rd Row Seats) Issue Description: Repeated false seat belt warnings originating from: Second-row middle seat Third-row passenger-side seat The system triggers loud, repetitive auditory alerts and dashboard warnings even when seats are unoccupied or belts are properly buckled. Attempted fixes (unbuckling/rebuckling, ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2025
Battery cell issue not resolved due to charger recall. Vehicle now unable to drive. Door handle recall still outstanding and predicted completion unknown due to parts issue. This in it self is dangerous as doors can open randomly while driving.
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Hemi 5.7 lifters and ate up crank had to replace engine with 79000 miles and now I keep getting random misfire ordered ecm and it want let alt charge they say it’s in our wiring
BMW
C650 GT MAXI-SCOOTER
(2013) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 1, 2025
Incident date: May 31, 2025
Hi I owned this car I had low miles on it 108404 I registered it start driving when I drive it start shuddering and vibration on car when I reach speet 30-40 I talk with Toyota they told me they had recall in past it was expired on 2021 they can not repair it if I want to repair it I have to pay from my pocket that was not our fault I talk with them no help lot of people had same issue with tran... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
In 2022, I paid over $15,000 to an official Jeep dealership (Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM City, Greenwich CT) to replace the engine in my Jeep Wrangler. Without clear disclosure or consent, they installed a non-OEM Jasper remanufactured engine. The invoice misleadingly stated “ALL PARTS ARE NEW UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED,” with no mention of Jasper or warranty terms. The vehicle began malfunctioni... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
On 3 separate occasions, the emergency collision avoidance system applies the brakes and is causing major problems. One time at highway speed, we approached a bridge overpass and the system slammed on the brakes as we approached the overpass at 65 mph. On a separate occasion we were atyempting to turn left to enter the highway and there were concrete barriers close. The system slammed on the b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The rear back-up camera in my 2019 Honda Pilot quit working. Apparently the problem is associated with the infotainment system. Many owners will not fix this issue because of the high cost of repairs, almost $5000. Not having a backup camera greatly increases the risk of accidents.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH in the rain, the front windshield wipers failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the windshield wiper motors had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V142000 (... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Intermittent power steering loss. Steering becomes very difficult to turn and unsafe as it is unpredictable. The issue is persistent and ongoing.
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owned a 2020 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, smoke was emitting from the vehicle. The contact was inside her residence and noticed the smoke from her window. Unknown if the air bags deployed. The contact stated that the fire spread to another parked vehicle and caused structural damage to the building. The fire department and police department were... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2007 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled intermittently, and failed to return to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was self-diagnosed by the contact, and the contact determined that the steering column lock module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notifi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
Truck want go over 62 miles heater comes on full blast truck reduces speed while drive and transmission want shift 4wd error comes on service climate system comes on the power steering error comes on the service esc and washer fluid system error comes on it seems like an electrical manufacture error with the truck
Incident date: May 14, 2025
Occasionally, the vehicle will drive in reverse when started and the shifter knob is turned to Drive (forward). This has occurred at least 5 times and the dealership has not been able to replicate the issue. So in their minds, it is not an issue. On one of those instances we noted that that shifter did not have any mode highlighted even though it was put into Drive. There were no warning lamps ill... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while washing the vehicle, the contact became aware that the entire inner sidewall of the tires were warped and damaged, and the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that a cause for failure could not be determined; however, the tires were replac... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
Sunroof cover no longer fully retracts causing the fabric to hang and block rear visibility.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while turning to the left or the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear and su... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2025
Driver side sliding door closed COMPLETELY on daughter's finger causing significant damage and laceration down to the bone. Required extensive laceration repair.
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Fuel pump and filtration System filter getting plugged and creating a fuel starvation, not allowing for more than 50% power. Created an issue of merging and accelerating into traffic and the need to maneuver and speed up to avoid dangerous situations or diminished or our are actually gone as the bike will totally cut out and stop running. That occurrence of the vehicle cutting out has occurred se... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
I was going home after work on labor day, when l heard a noise on my roof. I opened the sunscreen window and l heard what sounded like a gunshot and the sunroof exploded raining down glass on my face.
1 injured
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approx... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated 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 towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil control valve, resulting in damages to the engin... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The trunk of the car automatically closed and hit my head as I was picking up my groceries.
1 injured
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH after a vacation, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull into a truck stop. The vehicle stalled and restarted but eventually shut off. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine C... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of a parking lot, the image displayed from the rear-view camera was flipped upside down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure m... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact called for a friend who owns a 2025 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the back over prevention camera did not function as intended. The contact stated that the control system features were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to several dealers where it was diagnosed with a software failure. The contact was informed that there was no remedy avai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The transmission jumps gears at any speed, I was researching the topic and saw the NHTSA is probing some F150s for a similar problem. And I was wondering if my vehicle was in the affected line of production.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated that the power windows failed to function properly, and the instrument panel appeared blank while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cable connected to the fuse box had failed and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact's father owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that after his father struck a deer, the check engine warning light and several other warning lights became illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for service. The contact stated that after several repairs were made to the vehicle, the check engine warning light returned soon after the re... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Car has 1200 miles on it. Turned on and dash lit up with warnings. Took to dealer who confirmed the master cylinder is bad & must be replaced. Worse than that—it is back ordered and I am currently given an estimate of July for the replacement part. Hadn’t even made the first payment on my brand new vehicle before it had to be taken in and now I am without it for an unforeseen amount of time.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Engine lights and all other warning lights came on, and lost total power in engine while driving. Engine knocked bad and had to limp to a repair center to check out engine problem. Service department says total engine failure at 72k miles, no warning. Apparently this 2019 GMC Yukon is not within the recall for engine replacement that appears it needs to be covered as well.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The last week of February I took my 2020 Kia Sedona at 67,500 miles into Kia Ferguson in Tulsa, OK to have them replace my High Pressure Fuel Pump which was covered under an extended warranty. When I received my van back, the battery was dead and the AC wasn't working nor the control knob.(it was stuck) I had to replace my battery, and that Friday Kia said they would take a look at it. When I we... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2025
Electronic tailgate malfunction which drained the battery. Tailgate will open on its on with vehicle off but will not open with key fob or any buttons.
Incident date: May 26, 2025
am writing to formally request reimbursement in the amount of $18,397.76 for engine damage sustained by my 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE LUX (VIN: [XXX] ), caused by a known defect in the factory-installed plastic outlet pipe. This defect directly led to catastrophic engine failure, leaving me stranded on the highway and incurring substantial repair costs. I purchased this LR4 as a Certified Pre-Owned (... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware of a burning odor around the exterior of the vehicle. The contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not di... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
HI, MY CAR HAS INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION.EVERY WEEK, IAM TOPING OFF THE OIL, 1 QRT EVERY WEEK NOW.I BROUGHT THIS TO KIA'S ATTENTION, HAD THE TEST DONE AS THEY SUGGESTED.THEY OFFERRED ME ONLY THIS: A/C EVAP CLEAN, COOLANT FLUID EXCHANGE, SPARK PLUG REPLACE, 3 PT INDUCTION SVC, WHICH DOESNT FIX THE PROBLEM. I ALSO WANTED THE EXISTING RECALL TO BE ADRESSED, BUT THEY IGNORED.
Incident date: May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. 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 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 a... Read more