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 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (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. Parts distribution disconn... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
I received a recall notice on my F150 and took it to the dealership for repair even though I have not had any check engine lights or codes on my vehicle. 20 days After taking my vehicle to the ford dealership for the 24S37 recall on the OSS while driving on a two lane back road my truck experienced a hard downshift immediately followed by a check engine light. I lost all acceleration and had to co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
In an accident I was struck by another vehicle that swerved into my lane at a very high rate of speed. His vehicle struck my car on the drivers side front quater panel just after the head light and continued past the drivers door. Air bags failed to deploy causing injuries to my head and body. In a separate accident, head on collision the airbags failed in the front and side causing bodily injuri... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Car suddenly wouldnt start and gave drivetrain malfunction. Had to get towed to dealer. Car is a 2025 X3 that is less than a month old and 600 miles driven so practically brand new.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Speed offset is set to 10% but it keeps setting the max speed 40% higher, and then furthermore exceeds this max speed
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Speed offset is set to 10% but it keeps setting the max speed 40% higher, and then furthermore exceeds this max speed
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact's brother owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while following his brother who was driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact became aware that his brother’s vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that his brother’s vehicle stalled and had lost power steering assist functionality. The vehicle was stopped and shift into park(P). The contact stated tha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Driving on the interstate, vehicle slowed down, pulled over and put the car in park. Shut car off, tried to restart and it would not start. Cadillac dealership says vehicle needs a new engine. Bought brand new in 2022
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
While driving on a highway at approximately 5:00 p.m., a loud explosion occurred. My husband said it sounded like we were shot. Once we pulled over, we discovered the panoramic sunroof had exploded. We immediately pulled off on the nearest exit and drove the car right back to the dealer. While my husband drove the car, I researched sunroof explosions and found several complaints of other Kia c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03; as the probable cause for the failure... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Making a slight left, turn the steering wheel sticks
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Airbag light keeps coming on and we take it in to be serviced and they say hey it shows low voltage so we tighten down your battery and that fixed it. Then we drive 100 miles and it's back on. Took it to a different dealer and they said the same thing. Another few hundred miles airbag light is on again. Putting my families lives in danger. When we bought this vehicle from Carmax that the same issu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The truck suddenly loses power while driving. Then goes back to normal. Most recently but not only time I lost power on interstate, the dash blinks see manual. I was almost hit by vehicle behind me as i was unable to continue accelerating. Similar recalls for my year and make of vehicle include powertrain control module reprogram for cam phaser rattle and automatic engine idle shutdown.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The truck suddenly loses power while driving. Then goes back to normal. Most recently but not only time I lost power on interstate, the dash blinks see manual. I was almost hit by vehicle behind me as i was unable to continue accelerating. Similar recalls for my year and make of vehicle include powertrain control module reprogram for cam phaser rattle and automatic engine idle shutdown.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal moaning sound coming from the brakes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. The contact stated that the rear caliper spring clips and the rear caliper pin bushing were replaced, and the vehicle was repair... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear brake lights intermittently illuminated independently. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake module, Part number: 68397222AA; needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being discontinued ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an unintended activation of the electric parking brake while the vehicle was in park(P). The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, the message "Park Brake Fault - Service Now" was displayed, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud beeping sound and then failed to respond. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that prior to the failure experienced, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, and upon starting the vehicle, the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed, and the EPS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not dia... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The window trim on all four doors has come off. The rear ones were replaced under warranty repair and the front doors are not being repaired as the warranty has expired.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
My girlfriend's father was driving at normal driving speed on the highway when the tire blew out for no reason. There are multiple blown out sections of the tire on both the internal and external sides of the tire that would appear to be a structural failure. This was definitely not a puncture due to the failures completely around the entire circumference on both sides of the tire. The tire was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
1) Between 1 to 1 and half after leaving the lot of dealer/seller both check engine and oil lights came on. There was an oil leak after driving from dealer/seller lot. 2). Vehicle stopped (ceased moving) while in traffic on 288. 3). After getting vehicle to start again, vehicles jerks in a rocking way, making automatic transmission feel loose. 4). Within one to two days after moving lot vehicles... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
When I applying breaks when coming to stop, hears abnormal humming noise. Sound appears to be coming from driver front seat by breaks. Every time I apply the brakes, I hear the motor actuating, and I'm so anxious and worried that the brakes might not work. The brake is a life-threatening device, so I'm very anxious. Currently, Lexus says that it is normal to make sounds and there is nothing wrong... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
I had to pay out of pocket NHSTA safety recall service for water pump replacement and mandatory vehicle safety software update. This is wrong and I demand investigations and refunds.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
I was driving down the interstate stuck in slow moving traffic going 55 in a 70 in Jacksonville, FL. The Chevy suddenly lit up like a dang Christmas tree, parking brake service, check engine light, lane assist, and EVAC all flashing on the screen. Everytime I hit clear it like a new warning popped up. It started to drive super rough as in bumpy, loud and hesitant. I parked it, turned it off. Waite... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
When driving. Slow down to turn or to use round about car goes into EV. When i go to accelerate the gas motor will not re engage and the hybrid alarm system will go off. I lose all power to go any where. I have to pull over shut my car off give it a min then restart so the motor will come back on so i can drive again. I have to do this mulitple time in a 20 mile drive.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
Back in 2017 there was a recall on my 2016 Audi Q5 regarding the fuel pump. Audi's solution to this recall was to replace the fuel pump if it had any cracks, but if there weren't any cracks their protocal was to just put a protective shield on the fuel pump. Since my car was only a year old, all that Audi did was the protective shield. A few weeks ago, my car started smelling like leaking fuel. Af... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V748000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT). The contact stated that while entering the driveway and the vehicle was in park (P), the vehicle hesitated and jerked then suddenly the front passenger side spun around independently. No warning lights illuminated. As a result, the vehicle crashed into anot... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the steering wheel was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel inadvertently turned to the left or the right, causing the contact to forcefully turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that it was difficult to ma... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a fai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I am writing to formally express my frustration and deep concern regarding Recall 94B, which affects my 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude and currently has no available remedy. This recall, as confirmed by Fox Chrysler Jeep in Southfield, MI, directly impacts critical safety features, including the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and other key functions essential for the safe operation of my vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, all the air bags were independently deployed, except the driver's steering wheel air bag. The contact pulled over and had to cut all the side curtain air bags and the passenger’s side front air bag which were blocking the view of the road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The car is 2019 and has about 23k miles and the tailgate malfunctioned and is completely inoperable. Based on my visit to the Lou Sobh Honda dealer in Cumming, GA, I was told that there is a crack in the body that needs to be sealed and water from there caused the control board to be exposed and get "fried". this is not something I would expect to have a warranty. At least there should be some res... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Power steering failed, car diagnosed with code C2412 & Hyundai refuses to take accountability
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Power steering failed, car diagnosed with code C2412 & Hyundai refuses to take accountability
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 FORD Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); 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 experience... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
The contact owned a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH going north on [XXX] towards [XXX] , another vehicle made a sudeen left turn. As a result, the vehicle T-boned the vehicle that was making a left turn, then the contact's vehicle came to a stop, and the other vehicle was flipped over. There were no warning lights illuminated.The air bag deployed, the cove... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Turbo lines leaking. My model vehicle is the same N20 engine components that were installed with the f30s in prior years. BMW had an in house recall for specific models and vins but did not include mine even though they were installed with the same issues that the previous models had. Now, the turbo lines are leaking, my car only has 85000. I shouldn’t have to pay over 3k for them to correct th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Car shut off while driving.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed on an icy road surface, the contact almost lost control of the vehicle because the traction control was inoperable. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving at 10 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
My car has yet to hit 90k miles. 2017 ford escape. Recently my check engine light came on. Cylinder 3 misfire. Replaced the spark plugs and it went off. Came back on a week later. Same code. Replaced the ignition coils and went off. Came back on almost a week later again. Same code. Took it to ford to see what’s going on. Apparently there is a KNOWN issue where the coolant leaks into the engine,... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I took my vehicle in for an unrelated issue, a wheel speed sensor that was throwing codes. When I brought it in they advised me about a serious engine oil leak. This issue is too fold. . As far as I'm concerned this should have been a recall due to its seriousness. The housing for the oil filter is made of plastic mounted on the engine block. I live in Buffalo New York, where we were experiencing ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger’s side doors and windows failed to properly close. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was caused by a faulty foot well module which caused the electrical power windows to malfunction and the doors to not properly close. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
My central instrument gage cluster has gone black, not being able to see important safety information and car notices. I can't see car info such as milage , fuel, safety warnings, tire information etc etc.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
I have had to have the ABS and HCU modules replaced twice. This is a known issue and Fiat Chrysler is only repairing and reimbursing 2017 to 2018 trucks. Both of my repairs were at Dodge dealerships and are documented.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I am reporting a safety incident that occurred on [XXX] with my new GM vehicle, a 2025 Chevy Trax with roughly 3000 odometer miles. I was returning to Troy MI from Ann Arbor MI on [XXX] a roughly 50 mile drive, a driver with one passenger. The weather was good, no ice or debris on the roads. We exited the highway and proceeded north through several stoplights. Just before making a right turn into ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
I received a safety recall from Toyota in January 2025. I called my Toyota dealership and they told me there was currently no remedy for the recall. I checked [XXX] and it confirmed that there has been a known recall since November 2023 on their 12 V battery and battery tray that could cause a fire. This hazard from the battery could not only affect myself, but others on the road if there were to... Read more