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: May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled; however, the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an unknown transmission message was ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal shuddering sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. Additionally, on one occasion when the vehicle was started and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 BMW 430I. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the transmission independently shifted into neutral. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the failure recurred shortly after driving for several miles. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
I purchased my vehicle in 2019. Since then, I have had several issues. I've had to replace the coolant reservoir, DEF heater/pump and twice changed the number 8 injector plug. The warning light came on just after the warranty went out. The code reader read the ambient sensor and no sensor.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The contact owned a 2017 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving alone at 70 MPH and attempting not to hit tire tread in the road, she crashed into the median, her vehicle drove into a ditch, the vehicle spun twice, and then crashed head-on into a tree where it came to a stop. The driver's side air bags did not deploy, but the passenger air bags deployed when there was no occupant sea... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
The ICCU in my 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 failed unexpectedly, despite the vehicle having completed all applicable recall campaigns intended to address this issue. The failure resulted in a sudden loss of power, with multiple warning messages appearing on the dash (e.g., “Check Electric Vehicle System”) and the inability to drive or charge the vehicle. This posed a serious safety concern as the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
Backup camera frequently says "unavailable" despite being on most recent software and reset of the system
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
While driving slowly and turning the steering wheel, I hear a crackling or popping sound, similar to a “crunch” or “creaking” noise. The sound seems to come from the front and rear area, especially noticeable during low-speed turns (like parking). After I check with Honda dealer they replace Front strut bearing but after replace it. It still making noise.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I have gotten the notice Refill Inverter Coolant and Hybrid System Failure and lost acceleration and the all power. The first time this happened was in Dec 2024 with about 60,000 miles on the car. Dealer flushed system and it worked fine until April 2025 at about 71000 miles Hybrid system failure alert again, barely able to accelerate from stop light, made to a parking space just as I lost power... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
On April 19, 2025, the "Engine/Battery Fault" warning light illuminated on my vehicle. At the time, the car had only 1,398 miles on the odometer and had been purchased just one month prior. Shortly after the warning appeared, I received a diagnostic report from OnStar indicating fault code U362A. The vehicle exhibited significantly reduced acceleration and limited charging capability. Concerned a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Sudden and catastrophic shearing of the driver side rear suspension arm (control arm). My understanding is all these cars from Tesla have aluminum suspension arms which causes identical and catastrophic failure of the vehicle during driving due to choice of Aluminum instead of stainless steel(SS). Aluminum has an ultimate tensile strength of only 90 MPa while SS can exceed 500 MPa. Since my car go... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
I hear rattling coming from the rear right side of the car. There is extreme loss of control of vehicle when it hits any bump or imperfection in the road or driving service, ranging from small transition in road surface to potholes and raised patches in road surface. Must continually work to maintain control of the vehicle when driving over these surfaces. This occurs at any rate of speed. It... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); 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. The contact had not ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
My IntelliBeam function stops working sometimes, I can still use the lights as normal but the IntelliBeam function stops every so often and starts working after about 2 to 10 mins. Lane departure warning stops every so often and will start working after 1 to 10 mins, I have noticed that when it stops working at night time then the IntelliBeam function stops working also. When I press the on/off b... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
While driving on the highway at 55 mph during a long-distance trip, the engine of my 2022 Chevrolet Suburban (6.2L V8) failed suddenly without any warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms. The vehicle lost power unexpectedly, creating an extremely dangerous situation. I was traveling to a national wheelchair basketball tournament and had a passenger in the vehicle at the time. Our safety was im... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while inspecting inside the vehicle, the contact saw a rodent on top of the air cabin filter, and there were pieces missing from the air cabin filter due to rodent damage. A dealer was contacted. The contact was informed by the dealer that there was a hole between the engine compartment and the... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was an internal coolant leak and that the short block, along with several other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of a possible recall; however, the VIN was ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Rear shocks failing due premature wear and tear. There were/are no warning lamps and there was no singular incident (eg. accident) that caused this problem that I am aware. The passenger-side rear shock started exhibiting knocking noises in August 2024 when the car was 5 yo and had approx. 85000 miles. Since, the knocking is more frequent but not louder. Also, the ride has slowly become worse... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The alarm kept going off randomly/intermittently. Honda recalled the control unit/alarm/tpms control unit on Honda Ridgeline bit not on Honda Pilot.
Incident date: May 16, 2025
While the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds it is misfiring and sputtering, giving the feeling of a hard shift. When the vehicle is idling, the engine is sputtering like it’s going to shut off. If the truck were to shut down, as it seems to be trying to do, this could be deadly at highest speeds or intersections. The vehicle has been at a dealer since January 2025. They claimed to have fixe... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The navigation when using apple maps simultaneously tells the driver 2 different sets of directions that do not match. The small screen on the gauge cluster shows incorrect street names that are nowhere near your location, and also tells you incorrect turns. For example, the large navigation screen on the infotainment system will say to make a right turn on the correct street, while the small scre... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
No power then open the trunk and the power comes back on!! Dash lights blink out and radio then window goes up and down! Will leave u stranded
Incident date: May 11, 2025
To preference, I have only owned this vehicle for less than six months, and that the only major issue concerning the vehicle was the replacement of the catalytic converter manifold. On the afternoon of [XXX] I was coming to a complete stop at a very busy 4-way located in Peach County, GA when the power to the entire vehicle was shut down. There was difficulty attempting to turn over the key in ign... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
snapped rear control arm. I own this vehicle in a salt state. no issues prior, it literally rusted and snapped with myself and my 5 year old in the car, causing me to lose control and almost crash.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
snapped rear control arm. I own this vehicle in a salt state. no issues prior, it literally rusted and snapped with myself and my 5 year old in the car, causing me to lose control and almost crash.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
All Fisker Ocean vehicles were supposed to receive a full 2.2 OS update. However, I received 2.2 (2/3) partial update. I have waited since end of 2024. No full update was ever pushed via OTA on my Fisker Ocean One. I'm the very first Fisker owner. The full 2.2 OS update will fix many software bugs which still exist on my vehicle today.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Had oil change 7 times in one year and each time they indicate at the place I get oil changed that it is a quart or more low before 3,000 miles of usage after oil change. My car is suppose to take unleaded gas or higher and it knocks if I use unloaded. Now my catalytic converter is going out and it is not covered under warranty unless it is consequential to other problems. Well there appears to be... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that occasionally, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle took an abnormally long time to start. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a light shudder before losing automotive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. While the contact's fiancé was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The driver pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was later driven to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Breaking and steering wheel malfunction causing accident on December 20th 2024. Car is currently still at dealership for investigation. My safety was at risk, causing injury to shoulder. Not sure if problem has been reproduced, not confirmed by dealership as of yet. Police reported, insurance company only fix damage, then Vehicle was towed back to dealership for inspection, after being repaired... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a ticking sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound was evident when the vehicle was started, and while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle was shaking while idling and while driving at va... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
When letting off the gas and coasting to turn on a road around 10 mph, vehicle motor shut off and lost power steering control. Vehicle alerted to place vehicle in park, press break and push start button. Vehicle started back with no issues. Reported to dealer, dealer picked up and stated they could not find any issues and returned to me. Following day while going to work vehicle again shut off whe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
The transmission no longer works on my husbands relatively new vehicle, only turning five years old not even a full two months ago. He took it to a dealership in Culpeper, VA to get inspected and was told it needs a CVT transmission replacement totalling a large sum of money which is arguably the full value of the car. Not only has my safety and his safety been compromised due to this issue, but a... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle during cold weather, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown head gaske... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Rackandpinon replacement was also the upper and lower ball joints my steering is still giving me problems and I feel like it’s asafty concern because if I’m going down the highway I could loose control I have some receipts for what my mechanic replaced I called Toyota and they told me that it was to late to fix anything and that I would have to deal with it I never received a notice in the mai... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
My 2021 Kia Seltos has an active safety recall related to the engine (Recall #SC336). The dealership (Darling's Kia, Formerly Van Syckle Kia in Bangor, ME) scheduled a repair but canceled it due to needing a "software update." I was told there is no timeline for completion and that no loaner or alternative vehicle would be provided. I am concerned for my safety and transportation, as the recall af... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
My 2021 Kia Seltos has an active safety recall related to the engine (Recall #SC336). The dealership (Darling's Kia, Formerly Van Syckle Kia in Bangor, ME) scheduled a repair but canceled it due to needing a "software update." I was told there is no timeline for completion and that no loaner or alternative vehicle would be provided. I am concerned for my safety and transportation, as the recall af... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse on several occasions, the brake was depressed and there was an abnormal foghorn sound coming from the driver’s side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the residence where the rear driver’s side wheel was removed. The caliper wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Driving on freeway at 70mph and suddenly the truck shifted to a lower gear causing my RPM's to shoot to over 6,000rpm. I was able to get to the shoulder and turn off vehicle. I waited about 10 minutes and restarted the truck. When it happened the wrench light came on and then went away before I got to the shoulder. I checked for stored codes and it was showing PO720 Out put speed sensor (lea... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Symptoms exactly as described in Safety Recall 03A / NHTSA 23V-010. Warning came onto dash with very little time to get to side of road from highway driving before engine fully shut down. Picture of dash after warning attached. Extremely dangerous situation, particularly for a known issue as described in the recall and NHTSA notices above. Currently vehicle is at dealer pending confirmation / ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Symptoms exactly as described in Safety Recall 03A / NHTSA 23V-010. Warning came onto dash with very little time to get to side of road from highway driving before engine fully shut down. Picture of dash after warning attached. Extremely dangerous situation, particularly for a known issue as described in the recall and NHTSA notices above. Currently vehicle is at dealer pending confirmation / ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Loosing power steering at 50,000 miles. Dealer states out of warranty. This should not be happening on less than a 3 year old promaster van. Total loss now. was happening randomly. driving 70 mph and hit a bump, steering would pull/jerk to the oppisite direction. also slower speeds as well, including reverse
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG. The contact stated that while reviewing a Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 74,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 140,000.
Incident date: May 12, 2024
We leased a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe in June 2023, and since that time the vehicle has been a chronic source of mechanical and electrical failure. Over the past two years, it has been in for service 11 times, spending more than 115 total days in the shop, with at least 9 repeat issues—largely related to high-voltage interference and hybrid system instability, from our research. The problems... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The transmission has been slipping and shuttering which shouldn’t be an issue at 119,000 miles. This opposed a huge safety risk for me and my girlfriend on the highway. I was driving and it shuttered so bad i had thought the wheel was loose and coming off. I had to pull over on the highway to check the lugs and came to find out it’s the transmission, because it shuttered numerous times after. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
this is 6.2 l l87 engine that is being recalled but this vin is not on list. already had lifters and rods replaced while back. coming home from trip truck made awful noise and I lost power on the interstate. thankfully was able to get out of traffic but waited 3.5 hours for tow. at dealer but cant tell me when they can look at it. 60,200 miles and they are saying well we will see what we can do... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
this is 6.2 l l87 engine that is being recalled but this vin is not on list. already had lifters and rods replaced while back. coming home from trip truck made awful noise and I lost power on the interstate. thankfully was able to get out of traffic but waited 3.5 hours for tow. at dealer but cant tell me when they can look at it. 60,200 miles and they are saying well we will see what we can do... Read more