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 13, 2024
The other day approximately 5 minutes after leaving my house I noticed a smell and saw some slight smoke coming from my rear window. I immediately turned off the rear defrost and my rear window shattered. The next day I discovered other Chevy/gmc vehicles have a recall for a short circuit in the rear defrost. Unfortunately the dealership will not help me until there is a recall with my vin as ther... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
I was driving straight when a vehicle coming from the opposite direction made a left turn without yielding, crossing into my lane. As a result, my vehicle collided with the other car at full speed. However, the airbag in my steering wheel did not deploy upon impact, as it should have. My injuries have been significantly more severe than they would have been had the airbag functioned properly. I re... Read more
Crash
1 injured
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: 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: 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 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 5, 2024
When activation of the turn signal for a righthand turn. The signal will blink properly until physically completing the turn to the right, as soon as steering wheel is turned to the left to straighten the steering wheel the turn signal switch will turn off right directional signal but will then instantly activate the lefthand directional signal. Sometimes the lefthand signal will blink several ti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
I am experiencing a recurring P04FB diagnostic trouble code on my 2023 GMC Acadia, related to the crankcase pressure sensor. GM issued Bulletin No. PIP5841C, which attributes the issue to moisture buildup freezing inside the sensor. Their recommended fix is to remove the sensor, blow out any moisture, and reinstall it. However, this is not a permanent solution—the code returns within days, sugge... 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: Aug 1, 2024
Instrumental went blank and no longer is visible to the driver. There is no information pertaining to fuel level, mileage, vehicle engine temp, oil temp etc. Vehicle is not listed as having any recalls but recall 24V652000 (FMVSS101) details this exact issue. Vehicle going to a Jeep dealership for service next week.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
A loud popping noise heard through the radio when light pressure applied to brakes. Noise loud enough to scare the hell out of all the occupants in the car. Brakes squeaked when car was in reverse. Tried to slow down on wet pavement. Car started to veer to the right. Forward collision warning nor automatic emergency braking worked. Pushed brake all the way to the floor and the car did not slow.... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
A loud popping noise heard through the radio when light pressure applied to brakes. Noise loud enough to scare the hell out of all the occupants in the car. Brakes squeaked when car was in reverse. Tried to slow down on wet pavement. Car started to veer to the right. Forward collision warning nor automatic emergency braking worked. Pushed brake all the way to the floor and the car did not slow.... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The back up lights when in reverse at night are inadequate to safely back the vehicle up. This is true whether one is using the rear window and rearview mirrors or one is using the back up camera. No more than 10 feet of area behind the vehicle can be seen by using these lights.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Peterbilt 587. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to West Truck Services Center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump had failed. The vehicle was then towed to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH, and an abnormal sound was coming from the transmission. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Braking Issue and ADAS Warning + Lack of Access Concerns I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the ongoing issues that are being seen with the NHTSA recall campaign numbers 24V865000 and 24V623000. Specifically, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) in my vehicle, which has become increasingly distracting and, frankly, dangerous due to an incomplete or failed 2.2 Over-The-Air (... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Braking Issue and ADAS Warning + Lack of Access Concerns I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the ongoing issues that are being seen with the NHTSA recall campaign numbers 24V865000 and 24V623000. Specifically, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) in my vehicle, which has become increasingly distracting and, frankly, dangerous due to an incomplete or failed 2.2 Over-The-Air (... 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
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: Sep 15, 2024
This vehicle is subject to recall #: 17V-082 referring to a drivers seat lifter link than can break. My car has a broken lifter link, was brought to the dealership and instead of replacing the entire seat adjuster unit like the recall states, they simply installed a reinforcement bracket. When brought back to Med Center Mazda they state it has already been repaired and therefore cannot be repa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Sometimes whenI go to brake the brake pedal goes all the way up and I can’t press it down to stop the vehicle. This only lasts a few seconds then the brakes return to normal. I believe this may be due to a previous recall. “A common brake issue reported with the 2019 Honda Civic is a potential problem with the brake system due to a faulty tie rod fastener connecting the brake master cylinder a... 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 18, 2025
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: Feb 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck. The contact stated while driving 49 MPH with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) activated, the destination was entered, and the system announced the direction steps and suddenly the Full Self-Driving (FSD) disengaged independently causing the driver to be required to take control of the vehicle. During the independent disengagement of the Full Self-Driving (FSD),... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
June of 23' I took my car to the dealership Honda. My steering was locking and causing the car to drift left and right. They diagnosed the car as needing a steering gearbox. It behaves in the same manner as the previous year Honda with a magnet problemThe recall states only 54 cars have this recall which seems like there may be more out there and I am one of them. It I was quoted many thousands of... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
There is a recall regarding fire danger with the battery. No solution to fire issue. We are left with a dangerous car still subject to fire potential, as well as significantly degraded range due to a software update forced on the car by the recall.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated that after the vehicle had reached 10,000 miles driven, the transmission failed to immediately shift into drive(D) or 2nd gear while accelerating from being stationary. The check engine, speed sensor, pressure sensor, and solenoid warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the speed se... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated that after the vehicle had reached 10,000 miles driven, the transmission failed to immediately shift into drive(D) or 2nd gear while accelerating from being stationary. The check engine, speed sensor, pressure sensor, and solenoid warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the speed se... 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: Aug 13, 2024
Car Lost Power going up a hill. Generating codes P1326, P0455 and P0302
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
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: Feb 14, 2025
I CONSTANTLY GET THE FRONTAL CRASH NOT AVAILABLE WARNING THE NAVIGATION PICKS UP ON CONVERSATIONS STEREO FREEZES NAVIGATION SCREEN HAS BEEN BLANK NO MAP DATA VISIBLE SCREEN WILL NOT CHANGE FROM DAYLIGHT TO NIGHTIME ANYMORE (I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TWICE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE IT REPAIRED THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN) WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY BRAKE AND SAYS SOMETHING IS NEAR WHEN THE... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owned a 2016 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that while coming to a stop in a parking lot attempting to obtain mail from a mailbox; the vehicle independently accelerated and it was unknown what gear the vehicle was stationed in. In addition, it was unknown if the brake pedal was depressed or the gear the vehicle was in at the time of the failure. The vehicle had struck and knocked 3 mai... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The vehicle shut off on the expressway causing a very dangerous situation. After several attempts it would not start again. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealer and they advised me the engine has seized up. Most likely they told me the engine blew and will need replacing.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
Driver front side window, Passenger front side window, Rear Driver side window. All windows not going up and down. I had to put door wedges down in the panel to keep windows from falling. I was informed that the regulator and motor in panels that control the switches for movement of windows are burned out. I was also informed from the mechanic this could of been a fire hazard. I was informed from ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The automatic engine start stop when at a stop while driving creates dangerous conditions. The engine stalls during the re-start and it seems to pull the voltage all the way down to where every controller is dead and restarting. Cycling ignition switch while cluster is black or restarting or throwing up bunches of fault messages as traffic is now moving and you are still stopped. Sometimes this... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Today, I had a scary situation on my 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 limited. While backing out of a parking space, I put my foot on the brake to place the car in drive and the car kept rolling back no matter what I did and almost crash into the car park across. I was able to finally stop the car by placing it into park repeatedly. I was inches from striking the car across when it finally came to a stop. I t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
ABS module failed 2 years ago. No traction control, no cruise control, no stability management. This part has been on backorder for 2 years and affects many years. Issue started intermittently about 3 years ago while driving, now the vehicle is extremely unstable in wet conditions. Dealership has diagnosed and said to check back every few months for a solution. Additionally the plastic oil filter ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
In 2019, Honda extended the warranty on two components of the A/C systems in 2016-2018 Civics: the condenser and the compressor shaft seal. However, it did not extend the warranty on the evaporator. I took my Civic to the dealer to diagnose an A/C issue where the system stopped putting out cold air after approximately 45 mins of driving. The dealer found leaks in the condenser, compressor shaft se... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
Coolant flange outlet Coolant crossover housing
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Back Up Camera, I have reported it before several times and was given a #OD11583257 it's been over 6-9 months and still have heard back absolutely nothing from anyone and was told someone would contact me, it's very dangerous and have had many close calls. When I told the Ford location that I bought it, they told me there were other 2015 Ford Escapes that had been recalled with the same problem b... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
Unannounced and unauthorized software update caused a motor control unit failure. My vehicle was unable to go into gear or drive after this unannounced update.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
Unannounced and unauthorized software update caused a motor control unit failure. My vehicle was unable to go into gear or drive after this unannounced update.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
Transmission. Less than 6 months of buying the vehicle, Hyundai replaced the transmission and now I’m still having problems..it revved up to 2.3 rpms but didn’t change gears then jerks into gear..not everyday but atleast once a week. I’m waiting now on the dealership to look at my car now..but they’re dragging their feet.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The transmission has failed and was replaced, but the replacement engine has also been recalled and replaced with another recalled engine. Additionally, the tires and various electrical sensors continue to malfunction, the brake lights and sockets are persistently failing, and the front suspension along with wheel bearings require replacement. The car is unsafe to drive, vibrates excessively, and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The vehicle has a fault in the ABS system that is causing the ABS light to stay on, as well as the traction control light and the Brake light. This means the brakes will lock up, causing the vehicle to slide, the vehicle has no assisted traction control, and the cruise control will not engage. In a vehicle like this (a pick-up truck) the back end is notoriously light and will easily loose traction... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that his wife had used the Tesla Summon function in the mobile app to electronically summon the vehicle while she was entering the residential parking lot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was driving towards his wife, the rear passenger's side door crashed into the front bumper of a parked vehicle, causing minor scratches to the v... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
NO Recall work performed on my car. Received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 & Recall TSB10032403. NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V623000 (Service Brakes, Electric) Fisker Inc has gone out of business. A mandatory recall has been issued and the bankruptcy court has assigned a trustee to ensure vehicles are updated to version 2.2 to address safety recall issues. The update to 2.2 has b... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
NO Recall work performed on my car. Received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 & Recall TSB10032403. NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V623000 (Service Brakes, Electric) Fisker Inc has gone out of business. A mandatory recall has been issued and the bankruptcy court has assigned a trustee to ensure vehicles are updated to version 2.2 to address safety recall issues. The update to 2.2 has b... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
I pulled in to traffic on busy road, car quit. I almost got hit. The Fuel Pump Control Module was replaced on warrantee but I understand this has been an ongoing problem. Car had 800 miles. My wife is now afraid to drive it.