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 19, 2025
I purchased this Automobile from a new car dealer, and right away noticed a steering defect. The service advisor confirmed the defect, and could not repair the problem. I arbitrated this with the manufacturer, but the results were not in my favor and my claim was denied. Although, the arbitrator determined that a manufacturing defect existed, but did not impact the safety use and value of the moto... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); 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 of the issue. The contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt audible chime was sounded, and the message "Air Bag ON" was displayed while the front passenger's side seat was unoccupied. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the calibration-learning error was corrected by preconditioning the empty seat and resetting the seat zero-value in the electronic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
We experienced a serious malfunction in our vehicle’s emergency call system and Bluetooth connectivity, which began immediately after the shark fin cover fell off. This issue appears to be a known defect, as numerous reports suggest that water intrusion through the exposed area can cause damage to the emergency communication system and GPS functionality. This is a major safety concern, as it co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Dashboard leather has shrunk and removed staples. Dashboard leather is laying on top of airbag and may act as a deterrent to the airbag function. Was informed that the airbag may not deploy correctly. Cost to repair is >$10k due to a common material defect.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Fire
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the reduced engine power message was displayed. The RPM increased to high, and the engine revved. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Vehicle collision system for warning distance was placed to low setting. Driving about 30mph with no cars in front but a large dually on my left lane and a truck on my right lane, similar speed or slightly less, all of us 3 approaching an under construction intersection. Neither car came in my lane yet my system warned me to break and then activated the brakes forcefully. Rear passenger witnessed ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Vehicle collision system for warning distance was placed to low setting. Driving about 30mph with no cars in front but a large dually on my left lane and a truck on my right lane, similar speed or slightly less, all of us 3 approaching an under construction intersection. Neither car came in my lane yet my system warned me to break and then activated the brakes forcefully. Rear passenger witnessed ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Vehicle often applies brakes on its own . At first it was only in turns . However now it does it when driving straight on the the freeway or just down the street at 45mph. I have fixed my alignment ,new tires, all of the front suspension and nothing prevents the car from trying to brake for me. it is a safety feature that is not safe at all. a car slamming on your brakes at any speed is dangerous ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the rear driver's and passenger's power sliding doors failed to latch securely and opened while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V858000 (Structure), but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the power slid... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
As I pulled from a stop, into an intersection, the car slammed on the brakes with no warning. Did not see the normal "BRAKE" message as usually appears if you follow to closely for example and there was no car in front of me. It was a quick slam of the brakes, which threw my head forward and down suddenly, then released. I Continued driving and saw no warning lights or indication of a problem on ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
As I pulled from a stop, into an intersection, the car slammed on the brakes with no warning. Did not see the normal "BRAKE" message as usually appears if you follow to closely for example and there was no car in front of me. It was a quick slam of the brakes, which threw my head forward and down suddenly, then released. I Continued driving and saw no warning lights or indication of a problem on ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that there was an unknown liquid leaking underneath the vehicle. The coolant warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a leak in the water pump and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact researched and became aw... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The gauge cluster sometimes fails to work at all and flashes multiple times when returning to normal. I cannot see speed, mileage, fuel level, oil life, or car temperature. It is a continuing issue.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The transmission studders and temporarily loss of power. Chrysler is aware of issue but will not do anything until nhtsa makes a recall. This is our family of 5 primary vehicle, and we are afraid of this issues causing an accident that can cause harm if not death. I thought the S44 recall would cover the vehicle but it's not listed.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
I bought a used car, 2008 Malibu a couple years ago. I just found out that it had a recall back in 2014. I called a dealership about getting it fixed and they refused to do it. Is there anything I can do? I am retired and live on a limited income. Can you please let me know.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to fasten the rear passenger’s seat belt, and the seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the seat belt buckle had an internal failure and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the passenger's side A-pillar trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 228i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the electrical connector underneath the hood. The master warning light was illuminated. 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... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
Oil leaking excessively + low oil pressure.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Upon completing a trip with the RV mentioned, an inspection was completed of the units suspension system where it was found to be compromised. Not knowing what compromised the suspension (leaf springs, shackles, hangars, etc), further investigation was done where the underbelly of the camper was removed. Upon gaining access to the actual RV frame, it was found to have at least two major cross me... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Upon completing a trip with the RV mentioned, an inspection was completed of the units suspension system where it was found to be compromised. Not knowing what compromised the suspension (leaf springs, shackles, hangars, etc), further investigation was done where the underbelly of the camper was removed. Upon gaining access to the actual RV frame, it was found to have at least two major cross me... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V651000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V120000 (POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), 24V344000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V651000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V120000 (POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), 24V344000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t... 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: Aug 31, 2024
The van stopped without any warning in the middle of a three lane highway. It could not be moved without a tow truck, We sat in a busy traffic lane at considerable risk. The Honda dealer that repaired the vehicle replaced the 06161-RLV-305 fuel pump. this was a very dangerous situation. The repair cost $1089.
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: Sep 15, 2024
ABS module inoperative, needs replaced. Brake light,ABS light and downhill assist lights all illuminated as dash warning lights. Jeep has no replacment or repair option available. This is my second report for this problem.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
I have had to replace the transmission in this vehicle 3 times within a year and half time frame. Initially experienced harsh shifting, significant hesitation in shifting and the transmission overheated whilst driving on the highway to the point where smoke was clearly visible. Each of the 3 failures stemmed from the torque converter. There were no warning lamps or messages present prior to the fa... 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: Mar 3, 2025
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 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. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Power steering torque sensor has gone out. Dealership has diagnosed the issue.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
I was contacted by Auffenberg Hyundai in OFallon IL in October of 2024 to schedule recall work. On 10/23/24, the car was dropped off in working condition to the dealership for that recall (engine software update). The day after the vehicle was returned, the check engine light came on and the vehicle went into "limp mode". I returned it to the dealership 10/24/24. They changed the knock sensor and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
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 17, 2024
Error message alerted to maintenance needed and the air bag light has turned on and remained on. Also said message that front assist inls unavailable.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
Error message alerted to maintenance needed and the air bag light has turned on and remained on. Also said message that front assist inls unavailable.
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: Oct 4, 2023
Radar system and traction control shuts off during normal operation and requires vehicle to be pulled over and turned off then back on to regain control. This causea a loss of forward collision warning, brake assistance, traction control, and lane departure assistance
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
Radar system and traction control shuts off during normal operation and requires vehicle to be pulled over and turned off then back on to regain control. This causea a loss of forward collision warning, brake assistance, traction control, and lane departure assistance
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Vehicle is slightly off-balance no matter if I do an alignment ball joints seem to always get affected. I’m not sure if the hydraulics are working correctly. Yesterday I just started leaking antifreeze fluid.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
My SMART ForTwo Coupe 2014 has been having a High Voltage System Maintenance alert on the dashboard. I have sought service help from AAA and PepBoys, but everyone was saying the system battery is fine. When I moved to an apartment that doesn't have electric outlets, my ability to charge was stifled. When my HV battery went under 10%, the system battery shutdown and the HV battery went into reserve... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
My 2017 ford mustang gt has 27,000 mile on it. I was driving home from work and just went through a traffic circle and I was in 1gear when I went to shift I could not shift. The clutch blew apart while driving normal and it is the factory clutch. Pictures of the equipment involved are available and show no sign of wear or abuse just that it separated. This could have been a major is had I been on... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
Potential Odomete rollback Indicated
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
Engine stalling at higher rpm and there are intermittent acceleration issues, likely to be caused by the fuel pump or fuel intake to the engine. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk due to inconsistent acceleration and deceleration. The vehicle has not been inspected yet but it is available for inspection. No messages or indicators on the dash popped up. There is an open recall for f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while going to start the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was an object hanging down by the driver's side rear wheel well. The contact observed that the metal strap had detached from the fuel tank. The contact stated that the metal strap was extremely corroded. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or ind... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
While driving my vehicle on March 3, 2025 the check engine light came on. Additionally my vehicle began to shake. I was scheduled for a service appointment on March 5, 2025 and told the service department the check engine light need to be addressed. Upon inspection, it was determine the cylinder head needed to be replaced due to a leaking exhaust valve. Estimated cost of $8,818.12. I was devastate... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
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
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: Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved loudly while the transmission was stuck in low gear. The check engine, power steering, Forward Collision Avoidance, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon exceeding 25 MPH, the engine revved loudly to 4,000 RPM. The contact dr... Read more