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: Feb 21, 2025
Third brake light on tailgate continues to malfunction. It has been replaced once. This seems to be a common issue reported among Gladiator owners.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
While driving on the highway at 65mph, the car suddenly lost power in middle of traffic and stopped. I was barely able to park on side of the road and was facing a severe risk of being crashed into! I was able to restart the vehicle after 7min by holding stop start button for long time
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
As I was driving back home from the airport on [XXX] both front brakes started smoking and my vehicle became noticeably difficult to drive. At the same time an ABS brake warning light came on as well. Although the vehicle was more difficult to drive I drove slower to prevent a crash & arrive home. On [XXX] I brought my vehicle into Midas Sarasota where they diagnosed a failed brake hydraulic contr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger’s side front seat belts unlatched unintendedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Warning lights are on for , service trailer brake system, service braking system and service anti-lock brake system. Was advised by independent mechanic that the ABS module needs to be replaced, and this part has been unavailable for over 8 months. Contacted dealer and they also advised part is unavailable and they did not know when it would be available. Vehicle is drivable, but probably not saf... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2019
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System). 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 stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the accelerator pedal was depressed when the signal ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Paint is peeling and falling off due to a manufacturer defect and causing a driving hazard.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Key fob is not working and Range reduction from 360 to 200
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle jerked and made abnormal sounds. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump drive belt failure had caused the engine to fail. The dealer determined that the engi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
I was driving to church on the morning of 2/16/25 when I heard a very loud “Boom.” I thought something had hit the car. It sounded like a gun going off. When I pulled over to see what had happened I realized the right side mirror had exploded. The glass was completely gone with only the glue left on the back plate housing. Both mirrors were in the “off” position. Nothing hit the outside... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
High Voltage error in car and unable to charge at 3100 miles. Now without a car and dealership/Honda will not give courtesy car. The front suspension makes clicking noise in cold weather when turning.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
High Voltage error in car and unable to charge at 3100 miles. Now without a car and dealership/Honda will not give courtesy car. The front suspension makes clicking noise in cold weather when turning.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
Wiring harness in the engine compartment caught fire about 2 weeks after changing a water pump, battery kept being draining even after battery replacement. Locking of the trunk trunk forced usage of a BMW authorized jump start battery charger/start etc. No access to Battery when the battery is discharged.
Fire
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle jolted befor... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle jolted befor... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The best way I can describe it is that it has the "Death Wobble". My mechanic is still attempting to get all of the parts that are needed and I just turned 44,000 on my Jeep.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, the contact became aware of an excessive fluid leak underneath the transmission. The contact decided not to drive the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission oil pump seal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
NHTSA recall campaign numbers are below. Or can be found on this website [XXX] . 24V865000 (Roll away OTA-2.0) 24V865000 (Regen Braking OTA-2.2) 24V499000 (Water pump) 24V466000 (Door Handles) 24V405000 (Warning Lights OTA-2.1) 24V404000 (MCU/VCU Loss of Power OTA-2.1) Here is a summary of some of the statistics the FOA has been sharing with owners on the process, you can use these to support your... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking after refueling. The fuel had leaked out to half tank. The Fire Department was called, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that there was a puddle of fuel in the driveway. Additionally, the passenger’s air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking after refueling. The fuel had leaked out to half tank. The Fire Department was called, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that there was a puddle of fuel in the driveway. Additionally, the passenger’s air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
When the engine turns on the ESC light come up and start beeping. While driving the light goes off and later on while driving it appears that ESC is off after 1-2 minutes its says ESC is on again.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, the steering wheel required excessive force to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Brake booster went out twice and had to be replaced both times ( Jan 2022 and Jan 2023). Now I have HCU failure and lost braking. ( Dec. 2024). I also had a drive Shaft failure for inspection ( Oct. 2024). My car has 60,000 miles on it. I contacted Ford Corporation and my Ford dealership and my Vin is not part of the recalls for any of these issues. However my model year and manufacturer location ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that after the recall repair, the vehicle started to experience the failure listed in the recall. The contact stated that the day the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, the vehicle abruptly downshift... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
What component malfunctioned: The driver's side visor has malfunctioned and is extremely difficult to raise and lower. It's motion has become very stiff and requires both of the driver's hands to raise or lower it, which means that the driver must remove their hands from the steering wheel to utilize the visor. It is available for inspection as it is still installed in the car. Safety Risk: T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
Infotainment screen not responsive to touch, will not reset and freezes with black screen message warning drivers to not take their eyes off the road. Because of the latent defects known to GM in the screen, it is impossible to reset the controls (the "OK" button will not clear the error message). The freezing and non-responsiveness and elimination of outside temperature display creates a driver d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Leak error messages that cannot be removed until recall issue with fluid leak is fixed. Leak is corroding engine fuel lines and can cause a fire Will driving. The remedy is taking to long to be deployed. Need assistance with this issue.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Frame failure on my Jayco Pinnacle 36 5th wheel RV is the issue. The frame welds have cracked where the front overhangs and the pin box attaches to the truck pulling the 5th wheel thus causing outer cracking of the exterior fiberglass. The steel used in the frame does not stand up to the flexing as a result of moving down the highway. An investigation needs to be opened into this problem as the fr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
My husband and I purchased a 2015 Honda Civic 3 years ago. We have maintained proper maintenance and have the documentation on this. At 118,000 ish miles, my [XXX] son was merging onto the interstate at night just a day or so after a snowstorm. As he was merging the car unexpectedly began to lose power. He tried to compensate by pushing the gas harder but realized her needed to pull over. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
car shifts into PARK unexpectedly; car refuses to unlock at times; car sounds warning alarms and messages about Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning shutting down; car has completely "bricked" twice
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
car shifts into PARK unexpectedly; car refuses to unlock at times; car sounds warning alarms and messages about Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning shutting down; car has completely "bricked" twice
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
UNKNOWN Moving collision resulted in insurance company describing damage as a total loss. It was inspected by an auto collision expert; his description, photos and estimate were forwarded to a claims specialist at the insurance company. The side of my head hit the window on the driver's side, but no airbags inflated. I feel this was a risk to my overall safety. There were no warning messages.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
My car became inoperable after update was sent to the car without communication or notification. Required purchase and installation of a new battery. Continue to have braking / accusation issues when going over a bump. Car will at times not open from the inside.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while on a trip and traveling at high altitudes, the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used a code reader which showed that the barometric pressure sensor was defective. Once the contact returned home, the mass air flow sensor was replaced. The following year while traveling in the same re... Read more
BMW
528I
(2014) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:MASS AIR FLOW (MAF) SENSOR
Feb 19, 2025
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while on a trip and traveling at high altitudes, the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used a code reader which showed that the barometric pressure sensor was defective. Once the contact returned home, the mass air flow sensor was replaced. The following year while traveling in the same re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X3. The contact stated that the carbon monoxide detector sounded an alarm from the living room. The contact stated that her husband was unable to turn off the carbon monoxide alarm and called the Fire Department. The Fire Department arrived and determined that the vehicle, which had been parked in the garage of the residence, had experienced a thermal event in the engin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Multiple times when my 2024 X7 has started or I have been driving a warning message pops up that states that Forward Collision Mitigation or other safety systems are "reduced". BMW has stated there is nothing to fix on the car.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Multiple times when my 2024 X7 has started or I have been driving a warning message pops up that states that Forward Collision Mitigation or other safety systems are "reduced". BMW has stated there is nothing to fix on the car.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Driving on a 4 lane street at approximately 25 mph in the right hand lane next to curb when another vehicle swerved from the left lane into my lane. I slammed on the brakes in an attempt to stop and avoid any contact with the other vehicle. All the brakes did was a hard and long shudder, and did not seem to even slow my car let alone stop the car. Fortunately, the other vehicle attempting to sw... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Drivers side rear quarter panel glass shattered out of no where. Was at a dead stop in 90 degree traffic in florida, heard a loud bang, and window broke. You can see the window flexed out from the break. I think this was a faulty window due breaking out of no where with no impacts.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
This is the second time I’ve taken my Hyundai IONIQ 5 in to Hyundai as part of a recall “fix” for ICCU Failure. Each time, the car has been operating fine, I take the car in for the “fix” as it’s required, and then shortly after the car breaks down while it’s in motion / operating. I’ve concluded these are not “fixes” and I have no ability to trust the safety or reliability of ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
This is the second time I’ve taken my Hyundai IONIQ 5 in to Hyundai as part of a recall “fix” for ICCU Failure. Each time, the car has been operating fine, I take the car in for the “fix” as it’s required, and then shortly after the car breaks down while it’s in motion / operating. I’ve concluded these are not “fixes” and I have no ability to trust the safety or reliability of ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Valve body for 10 speed transmission suddenly malfunctioned while driving on I-95 at 60mph causing rear wheels to lock up for couple of seconds. Then, Engine rpm went to 5000. Error message displayed"reduced acceleration, drive with care" and "Unable to shift soon, service transmission soon". Upon taking to dealer, service advisor mentioned that it could be valve body issue. which is very common f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was under warranty and was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with clutch failure. The vehicle was repaired, and the clutch was replaced. On another occasion, the vehicle started to lose motive power and failed to reverse. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
While steering and turning, the wheel continuously feels sticky and there is a clicking and squeaking sound when I begin to turn the wheel. It is available to inspect. This vehicle does not feel safe. I have had to turn the wheel with more effort when changing lanes on the highway causing overcorrection and the brake also slipped when I was braking before turning to get onto a major street. I ha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Resubmitting from 2/3/2025 as the first form was not received. Attn: [XXX] I am the original owner of this unit and there is approximately only 1,500 miles on my trailer. This Grand Design is a swap from the original 2019 Grand Design that I already had. When I am able to camp, when my trailer is not in the shop, we only camp about an hour away from home as I don't feel safe. We have been experi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
I was driving on the highway and suddenly my 2018 Honda HRV had a power failure, with the dash flashing and loss of acceleration. Luckily, I was able to coast off the highway with hazards on. After numerous power cycles, I was able to get the car into limp mode but could not go over 30mph. I took it to the dealer and was diagnosed to be the known Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) issue. M... Read more