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 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450. The contact stated that while attempting to charge the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle failed to begin charging as expected. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the charging port appeared to be damaged, showing signs consistent with electrical burns. The messages "Charging station fault" and "Limited availability" w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an abnormal oil consumption. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a spark plug misfire. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to a local independent s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (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 failure. Parts distribution ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH on the highway, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine. The contact restarted the vehicle. The engine, steering assist, and battery warning lights became illuminated. The low engine oil message was displayed. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The Forward Attention Warning device located on the steering column (camera) cannot be disengaged. This device does not allow me to wear dark or polarized sunglasses, which I need since I have eye issues. This is a safety issue for me and others, especially since I am [XXX] [XXX] and there are times when the visor doesn't cover the sun. You can 'disengage' it in the Driver Assistance settings b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
I own a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax diesel. At around 60,000 miles, I received an engine coolant system alert through OnStar and retrieved a P1098 trouble code, which indicates a failure in the coolant control valve. This issue causes the engine fan to run excessively, creating loud noise, reduced fuel economy, and possible drivability concerns. After researching owner forums and talking to mult... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Forward collision warning was falsely triggered causing the car to inappropriately apply the brakes twice in one drive. This causes the car to brake harshly and causes cars behind me to either swerve or slam their brakes. This causes a chain reaction of extremely dangerous behavior. The forward collision warning system is far too sensitive when there’s literally no obstacles to cause a collision... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 1999
Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my [Your BMW Model & Year]. My vehicle was recalled due to an issue with the engine coolant pump, which could lead to a short circuit and, in rare cases, a fire. •The recall was issued over a month ago, but BMW has not provided a solution or a repair date. •On March 26th, 2025, I visited an authorized BMW service... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 1999
While driving 35-40mph, transmission downshifted to a low gear and locked up rear wheels. This cause a loss of control for a moment. Check engine light came on, as well as wrench on dash. Engine cooling fans turned on high, and no indication of what gear was selected on the dash.
Incident date: Aug 30, 1999
I bought a used Ford f-150 from Toyota used care dealership on [XXX]. On [XXX] while vehicle was being driven on [XXX], north of Santa Clarita, on the way down to San Diego. I was in the backseat, my friend who was the driver notified me. That we had to pull over and check because he was noticing smoke, then we pulled over and the truck was leaking a fluid that was on fire for about 20 minutes. We... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
I was driving down the highway, and I heard what sounded like a seal breaking. I thought that someone had put one of the windows down on accident. After pulling up on all the buttons, I determined no window was open. When I got out of the car, the plastic molding on the driver side A pillar had flown off. I don’t know if this would have caused damage to another vehicle. I didn’t know until I w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
ONLY 1 catalytic converter cover is on my truck. This could cause a fire in tall grass or combustible areas. Not everyone goes to parks for picnics or parties where there is taller grasses. This could start a forest fire if the weather is just hot and dry. Every Car or truck I owned with a catalytic converter had a cover on each of them. Dealer said that's the way it came from the factory. Doing... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine made a knocking sound. No warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to the cam phasers; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHT... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (AIR BAGS); 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 confirms parts n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
My transmission automatically downshifts sometimes which could cause me to lose control and is a big safety hazard.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owned a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into second gear. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The truck starts up everything fine and then a few minutes later comes up with the wrench and bogs down the truck like they can’t get up and gearing I would have to shut it off a couple different times for it to work good again and sometimes it does it while you’re driving down the road
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The transmission on my 2018 Ford F-150 has been experiencing severe and dangerous malfunctions that compromise vehicle safety. Starting around 50,000 miles (currently at 75,000 miles), the truck began exhibiting violent and unpredictable transmission behavior, including: Sudden, uncommanded downshifting from 9th or 10th gear down to 1st or 2nd gear while driving at highway speeds. This causes the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
As I was operating in Virginia speed limits was 70 and above my 2024 Harley Street Glide began to wobble at high speeds.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
I bring to your attention the inappropriate handling of the 2019 IPACE buybacks by Jaguar Land Rover North America, JLR. I own a 2019 IPACE purchased new from Jaguar Fort Lauderdale. In Oct 2024 and Feb 2025, JLR abandoned its attempts to repair the defective batteries of these cars and filed recall notices H514 and H536 with the NHTSA. JLR offered to buy back all 2019 IPACE vehicles as a definiti... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Steering column failed. Loud pop and steering wheel became floppy and wold move in every direction including in and out. Fortunately it happened while driving in my driveway. I delivered it to a local service center where repairs were completed. I still have the old parts available for inspection. Only 50004 miles on the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Tr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I am writing to report a significant safety concern involving the second-row seat in the 2021 Toyota Sienna. The issue involves the seat base not locking securely into the floor. As a result, the seat remains unstable and sits at approximately a 45-degree angle, rendering it unsafe and unusable. This malfunction poses a serious risk to passengers, especially during braking or a collision, as the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I took the car to the Dealership for recalls (#1 Cochoran VW, Wexford, PA) on [XXX]. The dealership has not been able to complete the repair and the car has been at the dealership for almost three months. The dealership employees have been in contact with Volkswagen of America and with individuals in Germany but to no satisfaction. We have spent several hundred dollars on gasoline that we... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his driveway, powered on, parked, and unattended, it began to roll back and crashed into his other vehicle, a 2017 GMC Sierra. The service shift message was displayed. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or fire. A police report was not filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA C... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
I finally was able to get my Ford Escape into a Ford dealership to be inspected and they confirmed that I will need an entire engine replacement because coolant is leaking into cylinder 3. This is exactly the same engine Ford recalled on the 1.5 but not on the 2.0 yet and my Escape is a 2.0. When I spoke to the Ford Company I was given a case number and told it would take several weeks for Ford to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and unoccupied, the rear glass exploded. The contact stated that there was a video of the failure showing that the windshield was not impacted by any objects for the rear glass to shatter. The vehicle was taken to a glass specialist, where the rear glass was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
When driving on the highway my car suddenly started to stall with me on the highway. It went from 80 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour and then completely shut off in the lane of the highway. Thankfully I was able to pull over to safety. I attempted to start again, and the engine started with a weird noise coming from it. I had it towed to my local Mechanic who told me that my engine is part of ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on several occasions with or without the cruise control feature activated, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, and the rear wheels locked up. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission circuit board and valve body assembly needed t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 5th gear to 2nd gear, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. During the failure, the driver almost lost control of the steering wheel and the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle skidded. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the fa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Around 7 months ago my Honda Pilot began to make a loud "knocking" sound and would not run. I have been waiting on a recall on my specific vin because this is an issue for 2016 Honda Pilots.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Today was the fourth time that the automatic breaking system engaged when there was no other car present to trigger it. I was going under 5 miles an hour. The car next to me was making a left-hand turn, and there was no car in front of me to cause the breaking system to engage with such a force that I thought I was rear-ended by a truck
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Brakes did not work properly, brakes were hard and vehicle was not stopping, the vehicle was difficult to control because steering wheel was very hard too. This incident caused the vehicle to take a significant distance to stop and almost cause a crash with the vehicle in front. The incident was reported to dealer, dealer representative said there was a recall on the IBS and requested vehicle to b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Truck went into second gear unexpectedly at 50 mph due to what dealer said was a bad solenoid. GM has had the truck for over a month with no date of an times repair due to no parts being available
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
We purchased a Tesla Model X 2 years ago and have driven a little over 10,000 miles on it. The car has had continuous suspension problems which resulted in replacing the half shaft twice, control arms and now suspension pins. We drive solely on city roads and highways, it does not seem safe that a car used for regular commute to/from work and school would have such serious mechanical problems so e... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
I'm concern because the car was smoking
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while refueling, the vehicle started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the driveshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately 11 days later. The vehicle was towed ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while refueling, the vehicle started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the driveshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately 11 days later. The vehicle was towed ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
While driving our 2017 MB GLE 350-4matic at about 40 mph, it spontaneously downshifted to M1. We were in traffic, so this was a very dangerous for us and for the people behind us. We limped to our destination, not knowing what had happened or what to do. When we re-started the car the next day, it seemed ok. But after driving some distance, it spontaneously downshifted to M1 again. We stopped the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The truck has stuttered since I bought it when downshifting when cold. Sometimes when it sputters during a downshift it will display the message “ship to p and select gear”. Meaning the vehicle has shifted from drive on its own. The only way to engage drive is to stop and select drive. This has happened on the freeway a couple of times and the dealer says they cannot isolate the issue.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
transmission suddenly downshifted while driving down highway, end result several components in the transmission, lead frame, valve body, torque converter clutch were replaced at my own expense of $3300
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
On [XXX] I [XXX] started my truck and left my job at Publix Supermarket in Lake City, Fl. As I turned out of the shopping plaza, My 2020 Ford F-150 felt like it was about to lose power. As I turned into [XXX]. The truck shifted from the first gear, to the second smoothly, as the truck shifted from 2-3 , the truck revved and did not engage into 3rd gear. I let off the gas thinking it was going to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
BMW issued a recall in October 2024 regarding the engine coolant pump electrical connector on my 2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e, warning of electrical shorts and fire risks. It's now late March 2025—approximately six later—and BMW dealerships still state explicitly they have no available remedy and no timeline for repair. Recently, my vehicle showed a drivetrain warning message, which I suspect is reca... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
On two separate occasions, the dash and radio restarted while we were driving. Whole driving down the highway, the speakers stopped working, both screens would go blank and the red pre collision lights would turn on. This causes the inability to see your speedometer or other required information while driving. I am unsure if this affects any other safety equipment from functioning if there was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
MAY CAR HAS STARTED REPEATEDLY FLASHED CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS AND WARNING SIGNS THAT THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO SHUT OFF SOON AND TO STOP SAFELY WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE AND I HAVE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE I AM ABLE TO RESTART AND CONTINUE DRIVING WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR NEXT 2 TO 3 STARTS. THE DEALER ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2025
While driving on the highway, the engine overheating light came on, the car seemed to be losing power, and I pulled over and was then towed to the dealership. My safety was put at risk as I could have been hit as the car was slowing down in fast traffic; it also was extremely cold (about 5 degrees F) while I waited for the tow truck. The tow truck driver noted that I had lost coolant fluid due t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
vehicle will not change out of EV electric mode and return to gas power causing hybrid battery drains to zero, vehicle loses acceleration, you can push the gas pedal to the floor and you have no acceleration, very UNSAFE when you are in traffic, no power to maneuver or avoid other vehicles quickly if needed, potential for accidents, hybrid system warning lights and alarms go on, have to try and p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
I'm concern because it started leaking coolant
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
When letting off the accelerator to slow coming to a stop I would press the brake pedal. but the motor would increase RPMs and I had to use both feet to stop the vehicle. Then I had to put the car in neutral and the RPMs would increase even though I was at a stop and then I had to put it in Park before the RPMs would drop. I removed the driver's floor mat encase it was effecting the accelerator. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
When letting off the accelerator to slow coming to a stop I would press the brake pedal. but the motor would increase RPMs and I had to use both feet to stop the vehicle. Then I had to put the car in neutral and the RPMs would increase even though I was at a stop and then I had to put it in Park before the RPMs would drop. I removed the driver's floor mat encase it was effecting the accelerator. T... Read more