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: Aug 28, 2024
The steering wheel pulls the one side drastically when I drive over a bump or a crack/line on a road or highway. It’s quite scary and I’m afraid I could have an accident
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Brake system went out suddenly making the car brakes not work
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer on two occasions. The dealer diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the fuel pump part #770200C170 was on backorder. The deale... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer on two occasions. The dealer diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the fuel pump part #770200C170 was on backorder. The deale... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Per the Tesla service team, there is a defect in the car computer which causes intermittent signal of the backup camera, failure of automatic emergency braking, and also Autopilot unavailability in a 2021 Tesla Model Y with less than 40k miles on it. This issue only occurred after a software update and affects key safety features such as blind spot warning proximity warnings. The Tesla service tea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Approximately 2 weeks ago, my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve began sputtering/hesitating during acceleration. On 03/31/2025, I took it to the Heiser Ford-Lincoln in Glendale, WI for service and the diagnosis was I needed to replace my “engine long block” because of engine coolant leaking into the engine cylinders. I was given at an estimated cost of $8,000. I researched and found Technical Servic... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
I purchased a new 2021 Toyota Highlander and began to experience a clicking noise coming from under the vehicle which grew in intensity. The vehicle has 76,000 miles. I regularly took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for service where they never mentioned any needed service for the transmission. I informed the dealership of the clicking noise where I was told by a Service Technician that they ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
While driving my car a warning flashed stating "check electrical vehicle system." Pulled over, contacted Kia of Abilene and asked if we could drive the car to the dealership. While on the phone another warning flashed ""Stop vehicle and check power supply." Attempted to drive car, "Limp mode or turtle mode" occurred and the max speed for the car was 25mph, sudden loss of acceleration. Made it home... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Unsire if this is the correct way to communicate this but it has been over a year since Ford has issued a recall for my vehicle but has not given an update on how to proceed. Jan 04,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number23S64 NHTSA Recall Number23V905 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Sunday March 23, 2025 vehicle would not restart after the auto engine idle shut off feature turned off the engine. Attempted to restart several time with no success. Vehicle finally did restart when jumped the battery. Could be a safety hazard being stuck in traffic. Have not reported to dealer but will on next scheduled service. No warning lamps indicated a problem but every lamp on the dash... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
n 2019, I bought a used car from a well-known dealer in Puerto Rico. I recently took it to a mechanic for some repairs, and the mechanic informed me that the vehicle's internal odometer didn't match the odometer on the car's dashboard. There was a difference of 48,971 miles. I was deceived by this dealer.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
n 2019, I bought a used car from a well-known dealer in Puerto Rico. I recently took it to a mechanic for some repairs, and the mechanic informed me that the vehicle's internal odometer didn't match the odometer on the car's dashboard. There was a difference of 48,971 miles. I was deceived by this dealer.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
Hello, I have owned my 2019 Pilot for almost 6 years. From day one, I have had ongoing issues including over 12 situations in which my vehicle would not restart at stoplights, 4-way stops or other areas (my driveway, gas station etc.). I have had the vehicle jump started multiple times by my extended warranty company, my husband and neighbor and towed to the dealer. My most recent stall when not ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
Paint is peeling. Only have 100,000 miles. Paint is peeling off badly.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
When driving down the highway the steering sometimes sticks or locks slightly. This is mainly when driving straight and doing a slight turn or correction. Alignment and balance are fine on the car. There are no warning lights. This is an intermittent problem and only occurs occasionally. I cant always duplicate. It has not been diagnosed by a mechanic yet as it is intermittent and it only occurs o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact shifted from park (P) to drive(D) and was eventually able to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the letter P(park) was outlined in yellow and was illuminated on the instrument panel. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to cl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Was driving in Bellevue, WA leaving a parking lot. Heard a "pop" sound, and immediately had a "Check Electrical System" warning come up on the dash. From previous experience in 2024, was aware this requires immediate dealer inspection, so started driving to the dealer 6 miles away. After less than a mile, lost most power but was able to drive slowly into an office parking lot. Called Hyundai Roads... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
2019 Toyota CHR was inspected on 03/26/2025 at the dealership it was originally purchased at and was determined to have a failed CVT transmission at around 77,000 miles. Due to the cost of a total transmission replacement, the extended warranty agency Assurant, sent a third party inspector to the dealership 48 hours later to independently inspect and they came to the same determination. Warning ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
I purchased my BMW 2016 in October of 2024. The BMW had 109,000 when I purchased it. It now has 112,000, I drove it twice to Dallas, Texas and only occasionally on the weekends, but has been garage kept most of the time since I purchased it from Dodge Bluebonnet Motors, 547 S. Sequin Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130, 830-606-8500, Soon after I purchased it, i started to hear a knocking underneath ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the headlights illuminated, the interior instrument panel lighting and display screen lighting became extremely dim, and it was difficult to read the display screen. Additionally, the vehicle started jerking and hesitated while driving at various speeds. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the headlights illuminated, the interior instrument panel lighting and display screen lighting became extremely dim, and it was difficult to read the display screen. Additionally, the vehicle started jerking and hesitated while driving at various speeds. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Reported electrical issues beginning one month after purchasing the vehicle. I reported issues for the first year including the running boards not working, entertainment system not operating, hard engine restart/stalling and the reverse camera not engaging. February 2024 the car was driving down the highway and a loud noise began in the engine. Entire car stopped running. Placed in the shop for ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Reported electrical issues beginning one month after purchasing the vehicle. I reported issues for the first year including the running boards not working, entertainment system not operating, hard engine restart/stalling and the reverse camera not engaging. February 2024 the car was driving down the highway and a loud noise began in the engine. Entire car stopped running. Placed in the shop for ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Car shut down and is believed to be a lemon car, and continuously leaks in spite being serviced on numerous occasions.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Vehicle enters into a conserve power warning and will not start. While operating the vehicle in drive vehicle will lose power and deactivate all safety and control features. Contacted Ford and no remedy or assistance will be provided.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Vehicle enters into a conserve power warning and will not start. While operating the vehicle in drive vehicle will lose power and deactivate all safety and control features. Contacted Ford and no remedy or assistance will be provided.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
2017 F-150 Platinum Supercrew 4WD Recently Purchased from dealership, drove for 2k miles and started having engine knock. Did research and found identical sound, Cam phaser knock/rattle. This is still a high priority issue and a known issue as it can cause engine failure and manufacturer is unhelpful and unwilling to investigate and/or offer guidance. I talked to dealership that preformed the “r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
2017 F-150 Platinum Supercrew 4WD Recently Purchased from dealership, drove for 2k miles and started having engine knock. Did research and found identical sound, Cam phaser knock/rattle. This is still a high priority issue and a known issue as it can cause engine failure and manufacturer is unhelpful and unwilling to investigate and/or offer guidance. I talked to dealership that preformed the “r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The rods broke. The lifters are faulty and the power cuts off in the middle of driving. The car was taken back to the dealership and the cam shaft was replaced as well as the rods. However, after getting it back the car looses power and will not accelerate. It is currently in the shop as I type this complaint.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. 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. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Travel assist not available warning is showing multiple times when driving. I start the car, start driving and no issues. Then randomly the warning issues shows up along with an audible alert. It appears to be an issue with the steering wheel as several online posts indicate VW replaced the steering wheel to resolve the issue, only to have it show up again, several months later.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Dear NHTSA, I am filing a complaint against General Motors, LLC (GM) for failing to follow through on a legally binding lemon law settlement and leaving me with an inoperable, unsafe vehicle. Vehicle Information: •Vehicle: 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 •VIN: [XXX] •Date of Purchase: [XXX] •Dealership: Diamond Chevrolet Buick GMC Nature of the Complaint: 1.Vehicle Declared a Lemon: •GM acknowl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Brought vehicle in for new tires. Upon inspection it was found that the rear axle seal was leaking. Contacted Jeep customer service and was told vehicle had no recalls. I state that there was a Customer Service Notification for this issue and was told there was not. Was told vehicle was out of warranty and was at was at my expense. Told the service rep that this issue was brought up when it was in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The vehicle keeps shaking specially at the first and second gear, up to 40miles/hr and at any up hills roads. I took it to the mechanic and he said that it’s an issue in the transmission and needs to be replaced. Also the engine fan randomly turns on automatically, and a warning message stating “Steering assist reduced. Drive with care”
BMW
I4 EDRIVE40
(2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 29, 2025
Incident date: Mar 23, 2025
My vehicle turned off/stalled while driving. I had to throw on my hazards, stomp on the very hard break and turn the car on and off again. Very dangerous for me and other drivers. I see a lot of other customers with the same exact problem for the same model of vehicle. Definitely some type of recall that needs to be addressed.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
My car suddenly shut off when I came to a stop at a red light while on a busy state route. The information cluster then began to read “Fuel supply” and “Battery Discharge” My car would not turn back on and still has not turned back on since and it's been over a month now. According to the OBD results, the fuel pump and injectors were somehow seized and therefore have caused the car to beco... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
Oil Cooler leaking after multiple replacements causing engine stall while driving and lots of burning and smoke potentially leading to fire.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
Service Campaign 9B1 That my gas tank has explanded/exploded due to the issue noted in the subject line. As you can see the whole bottom of the backseats have been raised up imcluding the part that connects to the gas tank itself. My car is immobilized and not drivable during this time. What is the next step to take?
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while it was raining, water was leaking into the vehicle through the front windshield. While making a turn, water entered the vehicle, and the front seat passenger became wet. The seat was damaged by the water. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact ordered a power window switch online. The contact received notification ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while it was raining, water was leaking into the vehicle through the front windshield. While making a turn, water entered the vehicle, and the front seat passenger became wet. The seat was damaged by the water. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact ordered a power window switch online. The contact received notification ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact attempted to turn the steering wheel and heard an abnormal buzzing sound. The contact stated that the "Steering Wheel" symbol with an exclamation point was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stopped and turned off, and restarted the vehicle to attempt ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 the trim was deteriorating and was detaching on the side of the vehicle. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The harness on one of our 2 Nuna Rava carseats affected by the recall has come loose without pressing the harness release on two occasions, failing to restrain my child. I became aware on these two occasions because he was able to lean forward while the car was moving. There was no predictable indicator. Of note I do tighten and release the harness every time I take my kids in and out of the car s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Civic SI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel independently veered to the right. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle was difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering electronic module needed to be re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that during an oil change, the technician at the dealer advised the contact that there was coolant in the engine block, which caused damage to the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that it was a known failure in similar vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
235/55R 18 I took my car for a tire rotation at a tire shop. I was told that the right front tire was not good so I asked to be replace with another new tire I had, which was exactly the same Yokohama tire my car had on. When I drove off the shop the tire started making a weird loud noise so I drove back to the shop. They switch the tire to the rear and there I noticed that was a different tire, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Vehicle suddenly downshifted on highway causing rapid deceleration. Vehicle was then limited to third gear (although dash did not indicate such) with tachometer limited to approximately 1500rpm. After resting for 2 days, vehicle suddenly ran like normal, with no logical explanation.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
When driving slow and on turning radius, suspension clicking noise
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Service air bag notification is on. Which is a safety issue.