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 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine, seat belt, stabili-trak, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was occasionally towed and taken to the same local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed; however,... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
My car originally qualified for an engine replacement through the recall because it failed the test they performed. The engine is on recall and I have had a rental for close to 3 weeks. Today Kia called me and said due to changes in the inspection process and criteria for the recall my car no longer qualifies for the engine replacement and I need to return my rental and pick up my car. I refuse to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The thermostat and the sensor for the thermostat continues to go bad
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The thermostat and the sensor for the thermostat continues to go bad
Incident date: May 12, 2025
Issue with my exhaust pipe from catalytic converter code and I seen it has a hole on the exhaust
Incident date: May 12, 2025
coolant intrusion in engine with less than 7 years of life and under 84k miles. wont replace engine with the program because it didnt get the pcm update beforehand. Never got a letter for it and my vin doesnt say im apart of the program even though my car was build in the time frame and plant that they had this coolant intrusion issue.
Incident date: May 8, 2025
I have had car repairs done identical with the 2014 models with the same exact issues described in those year recalls, car hesitant and jerking, breaking down on numerous occasions and replacing gaskets hoses and many codes common with fuel and traction control and finally engine blown!
Incident date: May 8, 2025
I have brough my vehicle into the dealership on 3 separate occasions, all of which were the same safety issue - the engine would stall while accelerating and would shut off. However the 3rd incident was the most dangerous. On [XXX], I was driving southbound on [XXX] with my [XXX] daughter, en route to her pediatric appointment. After merging onto the freeway via the on-ramp, I accelerated to appr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were significantly dim. The contact stated that the VIN was previously included in Nissan Campaign Number: PC807. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that an appointment could not be scheduled due to the pandemic. The contact stated that upon contacting the dealer later, the dealer i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Overhead Cabinets above the driver and passenger seats above the front windshield have dropped down and bounces as we drive down the highway. Yes, it is available for inspection, I also have pictures. This started in 2019, the left side of the cabinets coming loose. We have tried unsuccessfully to fix the problem ourselves. After much research on the internet, I see where there was a RECALL 23v... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The Onstar module has failed. This part is the Telematic Control Unit or TCU. This is a widespread issue with no ETA of part replacement. This is an issue that is not often covered under warranty especially for vehicles outside of the age/mileage requirement of the company. This should be investigated and issued as a recall.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
While driving the car is in process.. the engine will suddenly stop (stall). I loose all power to the car and is unable to stop the car or control the speed or any other functions of the car. The only way to stop the car immediately is to manually use the emergency breaks. My 3.6 liter engine is having the same engine defect as the 2.4 2000 Chrysler 200 engine N52... causing it to malfunction. Als... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
There are no messages/warnings. The vehicle will surge at very low speeds such as when I am coming to a stop, trying to avoid a person in a parking lot etc. It was SO scary this evening as I accelerated into a very very busy intersection...I pressed on my brakes harder and it was instant - but about 1 second (which is a LOT in this scenario) later it then slowed instead of accelerated. I have owne... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
Complaint Regarding DCM Module Failure in 2019 Toyota Highlander Platinum Our 2019 Toyota Highlander Platinum is experiencing severe audio system malfunctions, beyond simple Bluetooth and connectivity failures. The vehicle sporadically emits an extremely loud screeching feedback sound upon startup and at unpredictable times while driving. This deafening noise is highly distracting to the driver, ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
This truck is burning oil faster than it takes us to do an oil change we have to check it once a week to make sure it had oil in it. I have seen online I am not the only one having this issue this year make and model. I want to report this problem.
Incident date: May 5, 2025
Check engine light came on and code P268115 was shown for coolant bypass valve internal failure. Valve was replaced by dealership and I was told it would not be covered under the Toyota Customer Support Program because that only covers valves that leak externally, not internal failures.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
The interior door trim applique has delaminated and broken. This issue has been previously reported in Service Bulletin 23-001-19 REV.B, Group: 23-Body, dated 8/10/2019, for a different Jeep model.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); 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 but confirmed that parts were not yet available, and to wait for the sec... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Battery light keeps turning on and brake light. Replaced alternator and battery after my vehicle stalled on me on the road, but the issue and problem is still on going.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Battery light keeps turning on and brake light. Replaced alternator and battery after my vehicle stalled on me on the road, but the issue and problem is still on going.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 available. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The engine is a 8 cylinder 6.2 liter. It starts out using 8 cylinders and progressively drops to 4 at highway speeds. The lifter failed, seized and gouged and ruined the block and camshaft. This preventable repair necessitated an entirely new engine. This happens to thousands of GM vehicles of a similar year, but GM only acknowledges years 2021-2024. They made a defective product, knew about it a... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
MY 2023 Odyssey has 40K miles and the cam shaft bearing is deteriorating and my engine oil is full of shavings. The dealership is acting as if because I did not get my oil changed there, that it somehow isnt their fault and not covered under the warranty. This is an existing recall of these engines and nhtsa is investigating other years etc. Here is a video from the tech [XXX] INFORMATION RED... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked while the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The message “Service Electronic Stability C... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked while the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The message “Service Electronic Stability C... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
Our heater core has gone out twice now, preventing us from properly being able to defrost our windows /windshield in winter and remove moisture during cooler days. It creates a substantial risk by reducing, or in some cases, completely removing visibility
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
I was driving on a road that was very rough with many bumps and the car (well in front of me) began to slow down to avoid a big pot hole, I applied my brakes to slow down before I got close to that car. Because the road was rough, as many others have filed the same complaint now, my Palisade engaged the ABS and the car coasted much farther than it shoudl have with the amount of brake pressure I wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
I was driving on a road that was very rough with many bumps and the car (well in front of me) began to slow down to avoid a big pot hole, I applied my brakes to slow down before I got close to that car. Because the road was rough, as many others have filed the same complaint now, my Palisade engaged the ABS and the car coasted much farther than it shoudl have with the amount of brake pressure I wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
I was driving and the car started making a weird noise. It then started to slow, the temperature went to red and the car started beeping. It kept going slow and then just stopped in the middle of the road. I could not move and was almost hit by multiple cars.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
When 4h on transfer case is on,the front tire wobble when turning even in a slow driving speed. Also suspension is very horrible when the vehicle is running on an uneven pavement driver and passenger were like being shaken inside left to right vise versa .
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
When 4h on transfer case is on,the front tire wobble when turning even in a slow driving speed. Also suspension is very horrible when the vehicle is running on an uneven pavement driver and passenger were like being shaken inside left to right vise versa .
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I had to take my car in to get serviced. The engine was rumbling loud and shaking. When they inspected the car, they found that one of the lower motor mounts was loose. BMW/Mini Service center of Dallas informed me that the bolt mounting the mount was “not tightened to factory specifications.”
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (Electrical System). The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer but was unsuccessful because the company had filed for bankruptcy protection and was no longer in business. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the ABS was making an abnormal dinging sound, and there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, lost motive power, and shut off unintendedly. The failure had gotten worse over time. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technica... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
Turbo Charger/Super charger is not following sufficient air. The vehicle does not excelerate, and slowed down in the middle of traffic. I had to turn the car off for 15 minuetes. Before i could drive home. Check engine light continues to disappear and reappear for the last 60 days. Diagnostic code P0299. GMC will not cover the cost under special coverage, known issues with 2017-2018 which GMC has ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
Turbo Charger/Super charger is not following sufficient air. The vehicle does not excelerate, and slowed down in the middle of traffic. I had to turn the car off for 15 minuetes. Before i could drive home. Check engine light continues to disappear and reappear for the last 60 days. Diagnostic code P0299. GMC will not cover the cost under special coverage, known issues with 2017-2018 which GMC has ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the yellow message "Steering Malfunction - Safe to Drive" was displayed. The contact continued driving 40 MPH, and the message turned red, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure per... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with the cruise control feature activated, the oil pressure message was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Driver door has remained in lock position when I tried to exit the car. Could NOT manually move the inside door lock and had to climb over the middle console to exit the car. I see this as a safety issue, as exiting the car slowly during an emergency could have caused an emergency. Also, for persons who are older or have physical mobility issues, climbing over console could be impossible. In ad... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Infiniti QX60. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the sunroof glass shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that there was no cause for the failure found. The contact was informed that the sunroof glass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2000 Ford E-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the driver's side air bag exploded hitting her face and chest. The contact stated that she also observed smoke emanating from behind the air bag and when the vehicle stopped, she disconnected and reconnected the battery. The vehicle was restarted, and she continued to drive. Medical attention was not... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 7, 2025
Magneride defect - struts leaking !!! 85,000 miles This is unacceptable- car is dangerous- bouncing - rough ride- shaky- jerking Should be a recalll! Look it up online- many many complaints!
Incident date: May 7, 2025
Recently ([XXX]) my wife was left stranded away from home when our 2020 CR-V started but would not go into any gear and had multiple warning messages about system failures including brake system problem (No Working Brakes), electric parking brake problem, tire pressure monitor problem, transmission system problem and auto engine idle stop system problem. If she had removed the [XXX] that cut the w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
Several times the automatic transmission has shifted from tenth gear to first gear while going 65mph plus. On numerous occasions the transmission seems to slip out of gear while driving and has done so while in intersections and while merging into traffic. Both of these issues have happened on multiple occasions.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The fuel line on the left back side of the car (back drivers side) was leaking fuel when it was in parking or sitting and idling. Noted fuel smell when car started up and was idling, car was taken to independent mechanic, fuel line was broke in 2 places. It was broke close by the wheel are and the other spot was back by the exhaust
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the front suspension of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack locknuts, observing that the steering rack had become loosened. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
This is an update to my previous complaint 11655582. Hyundai replaced the left headlight assembly on 5-5-25. Email I sent to Hyundai this morning: "I drove the car Tuesday evening and noticed the same problem as before the left headlight replacement. Later, at nearly 10:00 PM, I took the car to a dark road with little traffic to get a better look and to take the attached pictures. The outside te... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
when turning left right steering makes a cracked noise.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
when turning left right steering makes a cracked noise.
Incident date: May 6, 2025
One month ago, my car experienced an failure and the warnings on the dash reported to check the electrical supply and then to stop driving the car immediately. I had it towed to a dealership who reported the ICCU failed and it'd take 1-2 weeks to get replacement parts and repair. A month later, I was just told the part is on indefinite back-order and they have no ETA when a replacement part will... Read more