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 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle or while accelerating, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust, with droplets of oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the piston rings had failed due to oil build-up and the accumul... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
Steering rack and pinion (steering gear) is failing. There is a violent intermittent vibration in the steering wheel when driving. I have had an import repair shop check out the car - I did have some suspension work done on the rear as well as replaced the sway bars in the front (still had the vibration and it continues to worsen). After more review of the issue and numerous test drives it was ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Acura TLX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Rear brake light bulb housing assemblies melted plastic around metal bulbs contacts. Both tail light assemblies has failed three times each. This issue has occurred on multiple BMW X2s.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Rear brake light bulb housing assemblies melted plastic around metal bulbs contacts. Both tail light assemblies has failed three times each. This issue has occurred on multiple BMW X2s.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter remained stuck in park(P). The contact stated that the message to “Shift to Park(P) was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that after several minutes, the message and an abnormal sound had disapp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Driving on interstate the coolant level low light went off and started blowing hot steam from underneath the hood the hood. Running 70 on the interstate and now couldn’t see due to the steam. I luckily maneuvered out of traffic and limped to exit. Very easily could have been a 10 car pile up. Got the car to a mechanic and it had a plastic quick connect on a hose break. There are no metal clamps ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and refused to service the vehicle if the vehicle had not experienced a failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
I would like to submit a complaint regarding the Motor Generator Unit on a 2021 Ram 1500 e-torque motor. That part failed on my truck in early January, leaving me stranded for several hours. Thankfully the part did not fail while the truck was in motion, as the truck would have died and become completely inoperable. The vehicle has been at the dealership since January 4th, due to the part being on... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
The OEM starter ignited a fire under the front end of my vehicle. Upon noticed, I immediately grabbed a fire extinguisher, and I put the fire out. I had my two young boys in the car at the time when it happened and I urged them to get out of the car immediately my young son has a fear from now on on getting in vehicles. There wasn’t any issuing warning lights that prompted any awareness. Initial... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
My 2018 BMW X3 xdrive30i G01 series has been experiencing persistent overheating issues, even in cold temperatures as low as 40 degrees. The coolant reservoir boils vigorously while driving, but the temperature gauge does not indicate overheating, and no warning lights appear. The only alert displayed is a low coolant warning instructing to refill coolant or to top off. Recently, I noticed coola... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
After extraction of fluid, when equipment is switched to "dispense mode", the cap blew off under pressure causing warm oil to get everywhere (out of container). No injuries due to the oil being warm and not hot.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the removable hardtop was cracked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the removable hardtop needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Instrument panel showed "Front Left Malfunction Service Required ". I believe it says bad grounding circuit due to rust accumulation.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
I have a 2016 Nissan Sentra SV with 103k miles on it. I was driving the car, and noticed at stop sign and red lights the car would strain and hesitate when the accelerator was pressed. It would jerk hard then drive normally. The car would also loose power while driving. It would drop from 65 mph to 20 mph. It has done this numerous of times, and I have to try and maneuver off to the side of the hi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
As I’m reading it states that my knock sensor detection system and HECU FUSE NEEDS REPLACEMENT.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Air bag sensor light came on. Took to dealership - Suburban Subaru, Troy, MI. $189 to diagnose....then received this note: Air Bag - Control Module: scanned vehicle using ssm4 and found codes B1185, B1195 and B1196. per subaru diagnostics, replacement of the SRS module is recommended to complete repair. repairs will include removal and replacement of current module as well as passenger seal Occ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
Our car has just around 77,000 miles and the brakes stopped working while driving. To our luck my husband quickly thought to use the e brake to prevent a car crash. We took it into our mechanic who diagnosed a brake pump failure. It looks as though the 2020 equinox has recalls for brake issues but our vin number was not listed. This is very dangerous and could have caused a deadly or serious injur... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
Our car has just around 77,000 miles and the brakes stopped working while driving. To our luck my husband quickly thought to use the e brake to prevent a car crash. We took it into our mechanic who diagnosed a brake pump failure. It looks as though the 2020 equinox has recalls for brake issues but our vin number was not listed. This is very dangerous and could have caused a deadly or serious injur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Driver seat is provided with a manual height adjustment using a lever. The issue is that, once adjusted the height, is not maintained and starts to "sink" until bottomed. With time and years, keeps to be getting worse. No remedy has been provided by the dealer, other than stating that is a "normal issue on Honda's with that manual height adjuster.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer who removed the trim to determine if the trims were defective; however, the ve... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the diagnostic test showed that the fuel rail system was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact had the vehicle repaired; however, several days... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
Driving down the road and the sunroof exploded. No other cars were around me so no project was thrown from another vehicle. Took the vehicle to the dealership. The service tech confirmed nothing was thrown and it appears the glass imploded from the inside. We are over 60,000 so not covered by warranty. He stated he would send through to Kia to see if they would replace and was rejected. W... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The lead frame on my truck has began to fail. Throwing the code p-0722. Yes it would be available for inspection upon request. The lead frame failing causes the truck to shift erratically. This was almost life ending when it shifted gears on the I-44 going 70 MPH. Nearly ending my life and that of my passenger. The problem has been reproduced by an independent service center. No it hasn't been ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket, and coolant intrusion into cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket, and coolant intrusion into cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
The first time the "aux" battery was not charging completely. 2nd time pretty much same issue, they claimed to have performed a software update, 3rd time warning lights came on "Problem, check electrical system" ..something like this. They told me to bring the vehicle to the dealership. After reading the problems stem from the ICCU, I decided to call them to ask if I should tow it in, due to all t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
The first time the "aux" battery was not charging completely. 2nd time pretty much same issue, they claimed to have performed a software update, 3rd time warning lights came on "Problem, check electrical system" ..something like this. They told me to bring the vehicle to the dealership. After reading the problems stem from the ICCU, I decided to call them to ask if I should tow it in, due to all t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
Coolant reservoir keeps getting empty every 1000 miles. Similar issue as reported under [XXX] nhtsaId=11613107 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. An abnormal sound was coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
My car is consuming a lot of oil and I have to add it on a weekly basis. The catalytic converter has already been replace once and is on the verge of having to be replaced again because of this issue. I just bought the vehicle last year. I see that there was a previous campaign with this same issue. See campaign NHTSA ID: 23V-652000. I am wondering why my vehicle was not part of it. Please advise... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
My panoramic sunroof just shattered without reason.i wasn't close enough to any vehicle for a rock or debris to be the issue I was driving a steady speed on the freeway when it happen. The glass that broke seemed to have broke outward not inward.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
Purchased a new 2024 Chevy 2500HD (Custom, 6.6L gas) on 12/14/2024. After doing some research on maintenance items for this vehicle, I observed the following: Rear axle - Little over a quart low Front axle - a little over .5inches low It was determined these fluids were not filled to the proper level from the manufacture. The dealership and extended warranty company (provide by the dealer) ref... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
i was just driving my bmw and a airbag light and a malfunction error popped up on my dashboard, that read that the Passenger restraint system has malfunctioned. and i was doing some research on what was wrong with my car, and all the forums are indicating that this is a very common issue on these cars due to a bad seat occupancy sensor mat. to fix this you either still have to have an extended war... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
i was just driving my bmw and a airbag light and a malfunction error popped up on my dashboard, that read that the Passenger restraint system has malfunctioned. and i was doing some research on what was wrong with my car, and all the forums are indicating that this is a very common issue on these cars due to a bad seat occupancy sensor mat. to fix this you either still have to have an extended war... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
My key is stuck in the I can take it out the o2 seners not reading
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
My key is stuck in the I can take it out the o2 seners not reading
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
I have a 2019 BMW x5. My starter failed and I got a notification at the same time through my BMW app that there was a safety recall "RE: Recall 24V-576: Engine Starter – B12 05 24". The recall instructs the dealer that the Correction is "DME software update that will prevent the engine starter from being overloaded". This is all fine. It then gives the instruction "Note: Some vehicles may also... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
I experienced and continue to experience intermittent sudden loss of Electric Power Steering while driving. The sudden loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not accompanied by any warning light or alarm indicating there may be a problem. EPS returns intermittently. Other model years of the 5th Gen Explorers have been recalled for similar issues with the EPS system, but my vin has not been in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
The contact owned a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that his wife was driving at 30-35 MPH, when another vehicle suddenly merged in front of the vehicle causing a T-bone collision. The vehicle was pushed into the middle of the road from the impact where it came to a stop. All air bags deployed. However, the front passenger-side air bag deployed backward onto the front windshield instead of de... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Component/System That Failed or Malfunctioned & Availability for Inspection I have experienced multiple safety-critical failures in my 2012 Dodge Journey, including transmission failure, catalytic converter defects, engine repairs, electrical malfunctions, and brake system issues. Pattern of Recalls Across Dodge Journey Models & Lack of Recall for My Vehicle There have been numerous recalls acros... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
1.During December 2024, noticed the wrap or called grill part at the back of the truck detached 2.On 5th February, got a warning :reduce acceleration with caution, when I pressed gas pedal, could not go faster than 35mph, the truck was shaking really hard. It has been in the dealership waiting for valve body until today 13th March, still no idea when it will be fixed
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
One recall was for air bag deployed I had the light for it on but it was on when I got it the original owner said it popped on him well he was parked and he never fixed it or did anything ... The other was a part of the computer pretty much in charge of cooling the car down it can make fire from melting and cause unfixable/ to constant issues .... Well my hole engine stopped working it was getting... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Seatbelt of drivers side won’t latch into compartment, putting myself and others at risk
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Electronic power steering control has starting to glitch, bind, lock, and restrict turning. Occasionally it will be extremely rigid from one side and then it will proceed to be extremely loose and normal to another side. Varying at different times, and occurs randomly. Sometime it will lock in place while driving and other times it will be completely normal altogether.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
The coolant bypass valve has been failed prematurely therefor engine heat up and there is a warning on my dashboard that say "engine maintenance required"
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
We have tried multiple times to obtain information on this recall. My husband was finally told we must travel over 240 miles for this procedure. This would include two separate trips to Eugene. The first trip for the diagnosis and the second trip for the remedy "if it needs it". Every person at the dealership told my husband a different story and he finally gave up. We are older and we do not tra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The fuel strap rutsted through the frame its a recall on previous years and mine it’s the year after the recall. Yes available upon inspection request my gas tank fell in the middle of me driving down the road at 40 and was putting groves in my drive shaft. I’ve read online a lot of people are having this issue. No warning lights just a terrible sound of the broken strap cutting into my drive ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
My vehicle started flashing my seatbelt light when I was driving and I was buckled and then my airbag light came on and my automatic start and stop light came on and have stayed on. I took it into Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram and they charged me $203 to tell me that I don’t have any shorts in the seatbelt wire harness and they found a O.L (over limit) indicating that I have a internal open within the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
My vehicle started flashing my seatbelt light when I was driving and I was buckled and then my airbag light came on and my automatic start and stop light came on and have stayed on. I took it into Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram and they charged me $203 to tell me that I don’t have any shorts in the seatbelt wire harness and they found a O.L (over limit) indicating that I have a internal open within the... Read more