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: Oct 6, 2024
Engine Seized up on me while driving on the freeway. Four of the crankshaft bearings seized up and one of those four completely melted. good thing the freeway I was on was not too crowded, my dash just all of a sudden lit up saying shift to neutral to restart engine. I was able to get to the shoulder. I tried re starting the engine and nothing happened. I had it towed to Simpson Chevrolet in Irvin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the message "Braking may Require Additional Force" was displayed. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked forward. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall. The contact stated that later while driving ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the message "Braking may Require Additional Force" was displayed. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked forward. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall. The contact stated that later while driving ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Multiple warnings occurred simultaneously for the "brake system" intermittent. I have the same issue per [XXX] for my Honda Odyssey 2018 elite. I can see the same problem by a lot of people. I told Honda and paid them $220 diagnosis fees and they ended up asked me to change the whole camera that cost 4k. This obviously defect issue from Honda. Looks like known issue for this. Can this escalate... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Multiple warnings occurred simultaneously for the "brake system" intermittent. I have the same issue per [XXX] for my Honda Odyssey 2018 elite. I can see the same problem by a lot of people. I told Honda and paid them $220 diagnosis fees and they ended up asked me to change the whole camera that cost 4k. This obviously defect issue from Honda. Looks like known issue for this. Can this escalate... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
Problem: My 2010 Cadillac SRX with 87,000 miles been having issues with downshifting , my vehicle would not shift to second or higher gear while driving and makes it very unsafe on the road. When this occurs I would try to pull over safely to park. My SRX would be drivable if shifted to park and then shift to drive or if i turn off the vehicle and re-start. I have been back and forth going to my ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
Sun visors are extremely hard to move. May require two hands.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 manuf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Assist system activated briefly, taking control of the vehicle and the vehicle started pulling to the right lane. As a result of the failure, the contact completely lost control of the vehicle and spun out into oncoming traffic narrowly avoiding a crash. The vehicle returned to normal functio... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
Needs whole suspensions system fixed and is only 4 years old. Was told by the service center employee that other customers with the same year and model have had the same issue. Suspension has been noticeably affected for the past year (uneven tire wear so I had to get new tires and a bumpier ride), but just took it in today and had it officially diagnosed.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2019
Loss of power steering assist while driving. Safety issue puts driver and others at risk. Problem confirmed to be known by dealer service bulletin 15356. Special coverage has expired however many vehicles with issue still on the road. ESC light accompanies failure, restarting the vehicle resets system and allows function for short period until loss of steering while moving occurs again. Request GM... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2019
Loss of power steering assist while driving. Safety issue puts driver and others at risk. Problem confirmed to be known by dealer service bulletin 15356. Special coverage has expired however many vehicles with issue still on the road. ESC light accompanies failure, restarting the vehicle resets system and allows function for short period until loss of steering while moving occurs again. Request GM... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
1-- Fuel injector failed 11/2023 one month to replace it, 2-- Fuel injector failed 3/2025 in dealer, 3-- Fuel door does not open, replaced by dealer 3/2025
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
At 10,400 miles a safety recall was performed on clutch for manual transmission. The dealership replaced clutch bearing, clutch press kit, and other clutch components. After 800 miles were driven (11,200 total miles on vehicle) and after the recall service, the clutch went out again while driving. Dealership is telling me the slave cylinder went out and will need to be replaced.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
NUNA recalled its NUNA RAVA car seat due to the harness NOT functioning properly, therefore remaining loose and COMPLETELY UNSAFE! Not only did they REFUSE to replace the car seat, they asked us to register for the pathetic FIX IT YOURSELF KIT. Not only that, they are REFUSING to even send the fix it kit, and saying it will take 3-4 MONTHS!!!! This is a child’s safety! I had to buy a NEW CARSEAT... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The seat belt failed to secure her grandson, who was occupying the front passenger seat, and he flew out of the seat. The driver's seat belt failed to secure her, and she was thrust forward over the steering wheel. The contact c... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed down to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle slowed down and came to a stop with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The failure occurred on 4 separate occasions. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Backup camera shows distorted colors and no longer usable to identify objects in the rear of the vehicle. Additionally all backup sensors no longer activated when objects are behind the vehicle. Since there are massive blind spots behind the vehicle this is an accident waiting to happen. This was observed by dealership and recommended that the camera be replaced at owner expense. Still pending... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
My truck has a 6.2 liter engine the engine lost power. I have had the adaptive cruise shut down and start back up with no blockage that would cause it, I have had issues with the radio/GPS around seven or eight times the GPS almost sent me the wrong way on a one way street. the truck is still in the shop
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
My truck has a 6.2 liter engine the engine lost power. I have had the adaptive cruise shut down and start back up with no blockage that would cause it, I have had issues with the radio/GPS around seven or eight times the GPS almost sent me the wrong way on a one way street. the truck is still in the shop
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
ICCU failure preventing car from AC charging. In shop 25 days now but part not available and not given estimated repair time. Car was bought new and has 24,600 miles on it.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
Vehicle would not start on two occasions, both times the vehicle was jumped and started. On the third occasion the car would not start, the electrical panel flashed all the warning lights and the dashboard continually flashed on and off. It was towed to the Ford Dealership in Oxford, MS in December 2024. The dealership looked over the car, no other issues and advised that this was likely a recall ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated without depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission started to downshift, and the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact's husband merged to the side of the road and turned off t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC350. The contact stated while driving 62 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the temperature gauge warning light was illuminated and a message to “Stop Vehicle Immediately” was displayed. The contact attempted to merge to the side of the road; however, the vehicle started... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
High-voltage electrical system malfunction - within a week of purchase, car gave this warning, dealership said this is related to a software update, which is not going to be available until Q3 2025. Dealership said the "warning" is no longer being displayed and the car is drive-able, and if the issue persists, car should be turned off and turned back on in a few minutes.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
There was no accident or anything the problem just happened out of nowhere there was only sound then the car shut off and the engine stopped working
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ecosport. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the transmission failed to shift above second gear. In addition, the contact became aware of an abnormal ticking sound. The contact stated the sound was like the sound of a sewing machine. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. There was no warning light and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact coasted the vehicle into a parking lot until the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was inspected by an on-sight independent mechanic who informed the contact that brake fluid was spewing from... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
While driving slowly, the EPS will turn violently on its own. Service steering warning light comes on.
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
Engine catastrophic failure while under extended warranty. Engine failed in February of 24 however I had told dealership I was having troubles with Engine and shifting also tires from 1st 11000 miles it also kept reduce power on me and basically shut down 3 times in middle of hwy. The 6.2 engine locked up on the mechanic who was test driving it. Took 3 months
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Engine catastrophic failure while under extended warranty. Engine failed in February of 24 however I had told dealership I was having troubles with Engine and shifting also tires from 1st 11000 miles it also kept reduce power on me and basically shut down 3 times in middle of hwy. The 6.2 engine locked up on the mechanic who was test driving it. Took 3 months
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 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. In addition, while attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The check engine warning light and TPMS warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
During the incident, the vehicle exhibited an uncontrollable malfunction—the steering wheel suddenly jerked sharply to the right while accelerating violently, leaving me unable to steer or brake effectively, the car was looking forward. The car ultimately came to a stop upon colliding with a truck parked diagonally in front of me. After impact, I observed that the front tires remained stuck in a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
Last year my car had a Recall for the fuel pump, I called my dealership in Branford CT to get this issues resolved. They kept pushing me off telling me they did not have the parts and to call back in October. I called back in October for them to tell me the will not be replacing my fuel pump because the recall ended. Well this year my Car started stalling, would not turn on, and the lights on my d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
I first started showing a check engine light for cylinder 2 misfire, and believed it was my spark plugs. Then, one singular day after the initial code, the car refused to start, took it to a local mechanic (as close as I could possibly tow it) and they replaced my fuel pump thinking that was the issue. They did not offer the service to repair a blown head gasket, but told me the white smoke coming... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Infinity QX60. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound was more evident while turning to the left or the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Good morning Ford motor corporation headquarters as well as my advisor They are located at AutoNation Ford Torrance California this is with the 2015 escape eco-boost that should be on your lot. Anyway I took your advice and followed your directions and made contact with Ford motor corporation they do have some sort of a file on my situation which is the same as all of the other recalled cars with ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
While driving my Pilots RPM suddenly dropped and started to go up and down. My car started to lose power and the car suddenly slowed down as if it wanted to turn off. I was stopped in the middle of the road and turned off the engine. Waited 2 minutes to turn on again and was able to get home. I checked for a code and it gave me P0369 a CAMSHAFT SENSOR problem. So I research the issue and it turns... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
No power it feels like it’s stock
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 accelerating from a stop light, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528I. 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 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 a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528I. 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 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 a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic discovered coolant intrusion into several cylinders. The vehicle was then diagnosed with a defective lon... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic discovered coolant intrusion into several cylinders. The vehicle was then diagnosed with a defective lon... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jaguar I-Pace. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V633000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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. VIN tool confirms... 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 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.