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: Jan 17, 2025
Recurring System Problems: My vehicle continues to exhibit intermittent system failures, causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous driving conditions. These issues have included: engine stalling, braking issues, electronic system malfunctions].
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Recurring System Problems: My vehicle continues to exhibit intermittent system failures, causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous driving conditions. These issues have included: engine stalling, braking issues, electronic system malfunctions].
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Additional information to existing case # 11636712. The 3rd Evap canister valve repair on 1/15/2025 from Cook Ford Case# from Ford Michigan regarding Evap Canister Valve Recall Also, a 3rd pending code on the Transmission Control Module on my 2018 Ford Focus listed on the Cook Ford repair invoice
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Additional information to existing case # 11636712. The 3rd Evap canister valve repair on 1/15/2025 from Cook Ford Case# from Ford Michigan regarding Evap Canister Valve Recall Also, a 3rd pending code on the Transmission Control Module on my 2018 Ford Focus listed on the Cook Ford repair invoice
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Abs lights on, traction light on .Actuator running cicle constantly . Breaks felt spongy
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the gear shift lever was shifted to park(P); however, the gear shift lever failed to function as intended. The contact stated that a shift to park error message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed gear shift lever. The contact was informed that the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
After driving for about a minute, there is a beep and the brake system warning light comes on. Then the dash begins cycling through multiple warning messages - LKAS/ACC/CMBS/RDM - and will not stop. Now the repair shop tells us that the front multipurpose camera ADAS needs to be removed and replaced, and the ADAS calibrated. Including the fee to diagnose the issue, total cost is $2,980. Van has ab... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
I purchased this car in late February 2024. In late July, without any provocation or incident, the windshield cracked on the driver's side. I took the vehicle to an Acura dealer in Virginia Beach, VA, and asked about replacement. The car was less than six months old, and only had about 4,000 miles on it. The dealer stated to me, after taking a number of photographs, that they (the dealer) wou... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Coolant intrusion on the engine block which is causing misfires. Issue was confirmed by an independent service center.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
The range extender did not turn on while I was driving the car. When the range extender failed to work the car slowed down from 70+ mph to as low as 7 mph in minutes. The car then limped along for several minutes at this dangerously slow speed until the range extender turned on. Once the range extender began working, the car took off like a rocket, going from 7 mph to 70 in seconds. There are no w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
I have a safety concern. When my vehicle was assembled, someone decided to have the workers not remove the protective film from the plastic screen on the navigation system that would typically be released. I assume this saved money and time during production. However, that film has deteriorated and crinkled over time, making it difficult to see the screen, especially at night. This does not seem a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
I noticed an oil leak in the rear of the car. I went underneath and noticed the casing of the rear differential is separating at the seam. This can cause the rear to lock up, which can cause a loss of control. The warranty is expired. After doing research, there are thousands of cases with the exact same problem. My mechanic even said he has seen this on a few different jeeps of the same model. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
In December the vehicle started showing a pedestrian warning sound fault light. The pedestrian warning sound was replaced by a siren that sounds like an air raid siren which makes the car virtually undriveable.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
We purchased our vehicle in August 2024. We only have around 3,200 miles on it. When leaving a space (driveway, parking space, etc), even if only parked for a short time, the brakes have a noticeable screech which I have never had on a new vehicle. The dealership inspected and said there are no issues and they will not replace the pads. They blame the type of pads used by the manufacturer. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
At 28000 km my 2022 Chevrolet trailboss 1500 with the 6.2 started to burn oil. It was averaging 1 litre every 2000km. The dealership told me this was perfectly acceptable for consumption on this engine. From 28000 km to 45967km I had it in multiple times due to low engine oil warnings and loss of power. At 45967km I took it to another Chevrolet dealership and they inspected my truck and determined... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I am getting ready to replace the oil cooler for the third time since 2022, how can I get a refund or maybe just recalling them. It seems to crack when I drive it every time it’s below 10° and I know this is not normal and it is not a cheap fix.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Front windshield camera malfunction. Vehicle only had 61,000 miles.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The water pump pulley "exploded", causing the accessory belt to fall off which drives the alternator. The pulley "shrapnel" was thrown into the cooling system and damaging the hoses causing immediate loss of coolant. The loss of electrical power due to the alternator being inoperable and the loss of cooling could have caused the vehicle to malfunction in a dangerous manner. Fortunately, the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
There has been a significant amount of complaints in regards to 2013 dodge ram 1500. Mechanics are aware that the manufacturer has been dodging these issues with allowing unsafe vehicles to be on the road. My power steering all of sudden went out while driving. This should be on recall and not at the consumers expense. Why should I pay for something not caused by myself? Big companies like Dodge/R... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the instrument panel went blank with the gauges including the fuel gauge displaying 0 before the lights turned off. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the instrument panel was blank. The contact related the failur... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
The vehicle has persistent issues with its software and safety systems, creating significant safety risks. The Remote Software Upgrade feature fails to install, despite indicating it is “ready to install” with preparations complete. This prevents critical updates that could address safety and performance defects. BMW Customer Support was unable to resolve the issue, and a local dealership conf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
The tie rod broke while the vehicle was in motion. This caused the vehicle to lose control and crash into another vehicle, causing damage to both vehicles. There was no warning and no sign of any issues. Vehicle has been very well maintained, in fact, it has been in the shop at least once per month for the past year due to a number of mechanical issues unrelated to the tie rod.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
The tie rod broke while the vehicle was in motion. This caused the vehicle to lose control and crash into another vehicle, causing damage to both vehicles. There was no warning and no sign of any issues. Vehicle has been very well maintained, in fact, it has been in the shop at least once per month for the past year due to a number of mechanical issues unrelated to the tie rod.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Brake System malfunctioned. Brakes making horrible grinding noise at 25000 miles. Took to dealership under warranty and was told "that is just the sound that GM brakes make" and they refused warranty repair. Assured noise wouldnt worse, but continued. Paid to have brakes replaced and the SAME exact noise continues today. Brake fluid leaked everywhere and totally disabled the entire braking system ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Brake System malfunctioned. Brakes making horrible grinding noise at 25000 miles. Took to dealership under warranty and was told "that is just the sound that GM brakes make" and they refused warranty repair. Assured noise wouldnt worse, but continued. Paid to have brakes replaced and the SAME exact noise continues today. Brake fluid leaked everywhere and totally disabled the entire braking system ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Transmission went out at 65,000 miles. Son was inn the middle of traffic got a message the stop driving immediately and the car started running rough. two codes P2703 and P2704. these are for solenoids. Had trouble getting out of traffic and off the road and almost got hit by another car. He was able to lug across multiple lanes to pull over on the side of the road. This happened at night and the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Car will randomly stop while in reverse. This would happen even without obstructions or other vehicles in view. This happens at least every few days. I made sure to keep the camera free from debris and dry. The parking break will also enable as soon as it brakes.
Incident date: May 23, 2024
Unknown, I was pulling into a parking spot, at Sam's Club, and lightly tap the gas petal for the turn and the truck lunched forward in the one carlink, and hit a concrete parking pole (Sam's club in Southgate Michigan has security cameras) it warped around the pole and bent the frame as if though it was 90 mph and a telephone pole.. I had taken it in twice under warranty for the gas pedal not wor... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The trailer hitch receiver broke off the trailer hitch frame, which caused out travel trailer to become completely disconnected from the truck. The hitch was standard equipment on the truck when we bought the truck new, and the hitch is rated as "Class III", which means it should be able to tow a trailer weighing up to 8,000 pounds, with a tongue weight up to 800 pounds. Our trailer has a dry we... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and call her husband. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the d... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist was inoperable. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The fai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Our 5th wheel had broken welds on the drivers side of frame in early 2023 that were repaired at the factory. There is now a service bulletin for a lag bolt inspection, we brought it to a dealership for inspection and it was determined many lag bolts are either missing or broken which means our side walls have been probably attached to the frame. It was also discovered the the frame is flexing outs... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The vehicle was not shifting properly and was surging while traveling at lower and higher speeds. There was NO CHECK ENGINE light on or any other warning lights at all. The vehicle is in my name, however, my daughter drives 9 hours for college by herself and could have been at risk of injury had the vehicle stalled in the wintertime between Minnesota and Kansas. I drove it while she was home over ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
I have had this truck for about 3 weeks and the first day I brought it home the Parking brake was engaged upon starting the truck along with the collision light. It finally came off and drove the truck. Took it to the dealer they checked it and said it was fine per their assessment. Couple days later it happened again took back to dealer as the collision and parking brake light and brakes were stu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at 13 MPH from an exit and entering a roundabout, a right turn on an incline was attempted to be made when the vehicle veered in the left direction independently violently. The contact also stated the driver assist was engaged and the vehicle went off to the side of the road and over an embankment where the vehicle came... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Today I had an issue with my 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige where it would not allow me to accelerate past 31 mph. I was on an on-ramp to the highway with my baby in the car and I was flooring the gas, yet it still would not go past 31 mph. I put on my hazards and pulled off, and checked that the max speed setting was not on. I even tried setting the max speed to something higher like 50 mph... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
There is a defect on my front panoramic sunroof panel. The glass is too thin and the stress and tension caused the glass to break and shatter. No object struck the sunroof.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
Bought the truck back in January of 2023. Within 3 weeks of owning it an only 900 miles it spun a thrust bearing. Told me 9 months for a new motor. Offered to rebuild it an try to fix. They tried an fail miserably. During the final road test after rebuild had massive lifter failure. Replace cam ran the truck for about 4-6 months an lost all tolerance on main bearings an thrust bearings again.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
Air bag light was flashing and contact Dodge multiple times to inquire and fix recall however all I was offered was a gift card but no sort of transaction while vehicle was being fixed and was told I would receive follow up to make arrangements to get everything fixed however never had received any follow up and finally like I had told and showed the dealer probably the bag was going to deploy l... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
My car is very low miles 2600 and has a clicking sound on the right front CV joint. The Dealer diagnosed and said there is nothing they can do. Honda is aware of it. He said it's a known issue with the Honda Prologue that thousands are affected.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifting gear, there was a hesitation before properly shifting gear. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light and then attempting to accelerate while making a left turn at approximately 15 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to accelerate immediately bu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
I just read about a NHTSA probe or study that's been upgraded for unexplained braking on Honda Insights. This unexplained sharp automated braking has happened at least half a dozen times in my car. There was never anything in or near the vehicle path that would explain the braking. It was always good weather (no hazard road conditions). In every instance it was a brief but sharp braking (with a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
I just read about a NHTSA probe or study that's been upgraded for unexplained braking on Honda Insights. This unexplained sharp automated braking has happened at least half a dozen times in my car. There was never anything in or near the vehicle path that would explain the braking. It was always good weather (no hazard road conditions). In every instance it was a brief but sharp braking (with a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shuddered. The "Service Traction Control" and the "Forward Collision System Unavailable" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shuddered. The "Service Traction Control" and the "Forward Collision System Unavailable" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the f... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
Loss of 2 qt of engine oil in less than 5000 miles