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: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a click sound and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,600.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Parts distribution disconnect... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission was shifted hard. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shifted from tenth gear to first and then back to tenth. The vehicle revved up. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed to be in neutral. The vehicle was suddenly accelerated. The powertrain malfunction warning light was illuminated. The local dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission was shifted hard. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shifted from tenth gear to first and then back to tenth. The vehicle revved up. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed to be in neutral. The vehicle was suddenly accelerated. The powertrain malfunction warning light was illuminated. The local dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
On October 28, 2024 and again on November 26, 2024, a warning light appeared on the dash which said “ check hybrid system stop safely” Within 20 seconds both times , the car became inoperable . When I stepped on the gas nothing happened . The first time I was blocking major traffic , the second time I was on an interstate in the right lane and had time to pull over. In about 15 minutes the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
On October 28, 2024 and again on November 26, 2024, a warning light appeared on the dash which said “ check hybrid system stop safely” Within 20 seconds both times , the car became inoperable . When I stepped on the gas nothing happened . The first time I was blocking major traffic , the second time I was on an interstate in the right lane and had time to pull over. In about 15 minutes the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owned a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH and while attempting to stop depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact confirmed that the accelerator pedal was not depressed accidentally. No air bags deployed. The contact crashed into unknown private property in a parking lot. No injuries were sustained. No police report was fil... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The vehicle's dash states the following are malfunctioning: Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam, Collision Mitigation System, and Lane Keeping Assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A few days prior to this message appearing on the dash, the car flashed and beeped that I needed to BRAKE when there wasn't anything in front of me while dr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
The check engine light indicated a "gas cap" code, and the "side airbag off" light was illuminated. Upon diagnosis, the technician identified significant rust and cracked transmission components, resulting in fluid leakage. The service department assessed the vehicle as unsafe for operation, waived the diagnostic fees, and replenished the transmission fluid to prevent the risk of being stranded du... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
The check engine light indicated a "gas cap" code, and the "side airbag off" light was illuminated. Upon diagnosis, the technician identified significant rust and cracked transmission components, resulting in fluid leakage. The service department assessed the vehicle as unsafe for operation, waived the diagnostic fees, and replenished the transmission fluid to prevent the risk of being stranded du... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally raise a safety concern regarding my Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus, which I purchased and currently have approximately 25,078 miles on. This vehicle is equipped with a mild hybrid 48V battery, which is not a full high-voltage battery. The vehicle has been at the dealer since December 9th for ongoing issues. On [XXX], I began experiencing multiple malfunctio... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The vehicle is getting stuck in parking and can not shift out of park. The issue first happened at the dealership when looking into an auxillary battery issue which has since been resolved. After over 30 minutes of trying to resolved the dealer was able to get the vehicle off the lift and switch the gear back into drive. Since then two days later the batteries were replaced and the same issue happ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
Vehicle Safety and Functionality Concerns: 1.Steering Issues: Steering remains uncentered and unresponsive despite new tires and alignment at the dealership. Excessive steering margin, particularly dangerous in rainy conditions, leading to steering errors. 2.As the new generation Range Rover Sport in 2020, it has dual exhaust pipes, but only one side works. The dealer just said it was normal, b... Read more
5 injured
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
I purchased all available packages which include pedestrian warning in rear and front, collision warning and automatic breaks, rear collision warning, etc… none of the systems have worked except for the parallel parking assist but now it is starting to malfunction and apply the breaks 100% while I am driving or parking causing near collisions and inability to to move my car while on the road. I ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
had brake issues a year into getting vehicle went back multiple times and blackstone toyota couldn’t fix issue still can’t and still there at dealer and now there’s airbag safety recall car has been at dealership for 4 months no resolution
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
had brake issues a year into getting vehicle went back multiple times and blackstone toyota couldn’t fix issue still can’t and still there at dealer and now there’s airbag safety recall car has been at dealership for 4 months no resolution
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The battery on this vehicle is absolutely worthless. If tales 8 hours to charge and on a full charge it will get 37 miles. The dealership refuses to replace it and the I owe over 10k on the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The air bag never deployed I bought car in 2018 from original owner with car only having 33,000 miles on it and still under warranty til car had 100,000 miles and I hit a deer head on 2 months after getting car which bought in may of 2018 hit the deer in July 2018 . The deer was hit with the front passenger side it broke my headlight n messed my hood up and smashed in the grill little and my air b... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
My Honda dealership has the necessary seat belt part back ordered for months on end.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled while driving through ankle-height water. The kill switch was stuck. After the failure, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the p... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Error in vehicle computer software causing check engine light to show error in active grill position sensor, could lead to engine not properly cooling. Manufacturer error.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough starts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #4, and there was coolant intrusion in the cylinder head. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced and r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was ma... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Do to the water pump recall and the water pump electrical connector on my vehicle, it is no longer in driving condition and has caused engine overheating and damage. I am still paying for a car I cannot drive. I need help
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
I recently bought this vehicle and the drivers seat height does not raise approropriately. I have brought it to the dealership for them to take a look and they say that’s how it’s designed however the passenger seat height goes much higher. I called Lexus corporate who mentioned there is nothing they can do. I have driven the LX and RX models that do not have this issue. This vehicle is only 1... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Vehicle will not start every single winter! Has been in the toyota repair shop multiple times. Told me it was possibly the kick sensors that are activated in the cold, stay on and then run battery dead. It is currently 20 degrees outside, but was parked in the garage all night, and STILL won't start in the morning! Completely unreliable. Nearest dealership is 1 hour away from me. Kick sensors were... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the rear differential but later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission was faulty... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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. Parts distributi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
My 2019 BMW X3 posted this error on the instrument display "Emergency call system malfunction". BMW service informed me that the shark fin roof mounted antenna is leaking. It causes issues with the SOS feature, navigation (reporting wrong location). There are numerous complaints on BMW owners message boards with the same problem. There is at least one BMW Service Information Bulletin (SIB) that ap... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while receiving an oil change, an independent mechanic discovered severe corrosion with the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, specifically the 2.4L Theta II engine, failed and is available for inspection upon request. This failure caused the vehicle to stall unexpectedly while driving, creating a serious safety hazard due to the sudden loss of power and control. The issue has been diagnosed by a Hyundai dealership, which confirmed the engine requires replacement due to intern... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Started my truck up to go to the store started driving and all of a sudden it acted like it was running out of fuel check engine light came on and a ! Symbol came to barely make it back home it sat for three weeks and had to have it towed to dealer they diagnostic on it and said it was a fuel pump problem the thing is there's a recall on this same vehicle but not mine $1400 is what they want to fi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster RH1250S. The contact stated that while while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power and he observed a loud popping noise emanating from the exhaust pipe. On another occasion while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the contact observed flames emanating from the plastic edge of the right front of the seat. The vehicle was steered off t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
High Beam Assist, Check Rear Cross-Traffic Safety System, Check Blind-spot safety system, Check forward safety system, Check Lane Keep Assist System, Traction Control disabled. ALL of those messages came on while driving. Rear backup camera quit working, reverse lights do not engage. No remedy for recall still. Vehicle is unsafe to operate without recall being fixed. This is my only transportation... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle also stalled while being started. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Rear axle and differential began to make a whirring noise indicating bad bearings. After taking it to a shop who replaced the axle shaft, the noise continued. They noticed excessive wear in the differential components and said that it requires a rebuild. Another shop looked at it and agreed on the excessive wear, advising that the vehicle is undriveable until it can be repaired. The second shop ha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
We have been trying to get a dealership to service our recall for months. We were told they don't do them at a few Genesis dealerships in the area and then one told they don't have the the parts and to check back with them and that was months ago and the still don't have what's needed. I am fearful for my family's safety and can't seem to get any assistance in getting this matter resolved. We vis... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Our 2018 Chrysler Pacifica had a check engine light come on and we immediately took it to get it checked out. The mechanic said that it had a cylinder 5 misfire that would require a new engine. Our Pacifica only has 68,000 miles on it. The vehicle never over heated and we did routine maintenance by the manufacture recommendations. Our extended warranty is denying the claim due to coolant leaki... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
As I was coasting into a parking space perpendicular to a curb, sidewalk, and store fronts, about a foot from the curb, the engine ROARED and rapidly accelerated. I removed my foot from the pedal and crashed into a pole supporting the canopy over the sidewalk. The impact was so great that the airbags deployed and the car bounced back onto the parking lot. Several lights on the dash illuminated wh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 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 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 experi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the message that the tailgate was opened was displayed, and the contact became aware that the tailgate had opened. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road to close the tailgate. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the VIN wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the light changed and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was jolting into gear. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was dia... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
Driving at night on [XXX] car in front of me swerved leaving a big deer in front of me on a car on my left, the BMW did not warn me, adjust speed, cinch restraints, or brake, There was no collision warning or advanced readiness at all! I hit the deer at 75 approx, went airborne and totaled my car. BMW wanted to see the vehicle and take data from it since even the cameras didn’t record, no saf... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the transmission inadvertently downshifted and the accelerator pedal was inadvertently depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact sta... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the transmission inadvertently downshifted and the accelerator pedal was inadvertently depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact sta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2020
Seat Calibration; Airbag/Seat Belt Tensioner, level control system malfunction etc
Incident date: Nov 19, 2020
Vehicle was built in April 2014 and now has a transmission pump failure. Vehicles built between January and April 2014 were recalled. Subsequently 2015 through 2016 Vehicles were recalled for the same reasons.The Vehicle exhibit the exact symptoms as the recalled Vehicles. I also have obd data if needed for evidence.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2020
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
On Dec 9, 2024 I was driving my 2022 BMW X5 45E on (in EV mode) local roads at approximately 30-35mph when all of a sudden I lost power and the steering wheel became tight. My instrument panels all showed a multitude of errors including: "Chassis stabilization", "Power Supply", "Reduced Power", "Transmssion Malfuction", and others I do not recall. I was fortunately able to turn into a parking lo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN t... Read more